From Hill Heat...
Pelosi's sixth plank in her 100 Hours Agenda was:
We will energize America by achieving energy independence, and we will begin by rolling back the multi-billion dollar subsidies for Big Oil.
From the New York Times today, it's being scrapped because Bush is threatening to veto it:
A House-passed measure to repeal $16 billion in tax breaks for the oil industry is also expected to be scrapped, aides said. President Bush threatened to veto the entire package if the oil and gas tax bill were included.
So not only are the $16 billion being kept by the obscenely profitable oil companies, but that also means all the programs that would have been funded are going to be nixed as well:
- the extension of the renewable energy Production Tax Credit
- the establishment of ARPA-E
- funding for solar, biofuel, geothermal, hydrothermal, CCS, global climate change, biomass, wind, and tidal research
- funding for public transit and commuter rail improvements
- funding for building efficiency and industrial efficiency demonstration projects
A month ago, Vote Solar set up an online tool for sending emails and faxes to your representatives to demand they keep the solar energy provisions.
The Huffington Post further recommended a month ago you call Pelosi and Reid directly:
Pelosi's offices number is 202- 225-4965
Reid's office's number is 202-224-3542
Then you should call your Congressman or woman and get all fired up on this too. You can find your congressional leader here. Tell 'em stuff like this:
- Clean energy means jobs and energy independence.
- America needs carbon-free renewable energy immediately. Tons of it.
- Renewable energy is a key component in the war against climate change.
- The energy bill must extend investment tax credits for solar.
- Yes, you know you are shouting, it's just that you are really very pissed off about this and you really want them do something about it.
Update Clarified that the above calls to action were made a month ago.