Wilson Backs Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act

In May, Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH-6) joined a majority of the House of Representatives in support of legislation to help expand the production and use of renewable energy, create jobs across the country and provide tax relief to middle class families. The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act (H.R. 6049) was approved by the House by a vote of 263-160.

To reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to protect the environment, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act would increase the production of renewable fuels and renewable electricity, and encourage greater energy efficiency. It extends and expands tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel from America’s heartland, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances.

Failing to extend some of these provisions could have significant consequences for American workers. A recent study showed that allowing the renewable energy incentives to expire would lead to about 116,000 jobs being lost in the wind and solar industries through the end of 2009.

“I’m particularly pleased that this legislation includes support for carbon capture and sequestration demonstration projects,” Wilson said.

If signed into law, the bill would provide $1.5 billion of tax credits for the creation of advanced coal electricity projects and certain coal gasification projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology. Projects will not be considered unless applicants can demonstrate that either their advanced coal electricity project would capture and sequester at least 65% of the facility’s carbon dioxide emissions or that their coal gasification project would capture and sequester at least 75% of the facility’s carbon dioxide emissions.

“I have been working hard to help bring a new coal-to-liquid plant to Wellsville,” Wilson said.

The Ohio River Clean Fuel’s (ORCF) coal to liquid plant, managed by ORCF’s parent company Baard Energy, will be a state of the art facility for Columbiana County which would turn coal into liquid diesel fuels and store carbon emissions which are harmful to the earth.

“This legislation is just one more step toward helping to make the Wellsville coal to liquid plant a reality and that will mean thousands of jobs for the Ohio Valley,” Wilson said.

The legislation also supports businesses and provides tax relief to millions of American families. The bill extends the research and development tax credit to spur American innovation and business investment and cuts taxes for millions of Americans, including teachers, college students and families in states with no income tax. The bill would expand eligibility for the $1,000 refundable child tax credit and provide tax relief to homeowners who do not itemize their deductions by permitting them to deduct up to $700 of property taxes in addition to their standard deduction.