Mike Thompson United States Congressman - First District of California
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Solar Energy Legislation Introduced by Congressman Thompson

January 15, 2009

WASHINGTON--- Late last night Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced legislation that would encourage state and local governments to help homeowners and small businesses finance the purchase of solar technology.  Under current solar tax credit laws, this type of assistance is discouraged because individuals receive a much smaller tax credit if they receive financing help from state or local governments.  Thompson’s bill will eliminate this penalty, and allow local governments to finance solar programs through tax exempt bonds.

“Installing solar panels can cost $20,000 or more for a single home,” said Congressman Thompson.  “The high upfront cost stops a lot of people from making this investment, which is hurting the market for solar technology and eliminating good paying green jobs.  By helping families finance these investments, we can create thousands of long-term green jobs, and dramatically reduce energy use.”

Because of the thousands of green jobs that would be created by increasing the demand for solar technology, Congressman Thompson is encouraging the Obama Administration and Congressional leadership to include his solar energy proposals in any economic stimulus package.

The Congressman also cited the leadership of local communities for launching innovative public/private partnerships to encourage solar energy usage.

“Our district has been a leader in the solar energy field for a long time, and it’s time the federal government caught up,” said Congressman Thompson. “Sonoma County is setting up a program to help finance the purchase of solar panels through revenue bonds, which are repaid over twenty years.  By ensuring that the tax code doesn’t penalize this type of program, we will make it easier for people to switch to cleaner, greener energy sources.”

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CONTACT: Laurel Brown at (202) 225-3311, (831) 212-2550 or laurel.brown@mail.house.gov