Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008

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{{Economic Policy (U.S.)|congress=110|bill=h6049}} {{Article summary|The '''Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008''' (H.R. 6049) was a bill in the [[110th Congress]] "to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes." (Official title.)<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info">Project Vote Smart's info page on [http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=19326 Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008(H.R.6049)].</ref>}}
{{Economic Policy (U.S.)|congress=110|bill=h6049}}
+
The '''Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008''' (H.R. 6049) was a bill in the [[110th Congress]] "to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes." (Official title.)<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info">Project Vote Smart's info page on [http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=19326 Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008(H.R.6049)].</ref>
+
  
==Current status==
+
== Current status ==
  
<USbillinfo congress="110" bill="H.6049" />
+
<usbillinfo congress="110" bill="H.6049" />  
  
==Bill summary==
+
== Bill summary ==
*Extends the renewable energy tax credit by one year for new wind facilities (Sec. 101).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
  
*Extends the renewable energy tax credit by 3 years for new qualified closed-loop or open-loop biomass facilities, geothermal or solar energy facilities, small irrigation power facilities, landfill gas facilities, trash combustion facilities, and qualified hydropower facilities (Sec. 101).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends the renewable energy tax credit by one year for new wind facilities (Sec. 101).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Designates marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as being qualified energy resources eligible for the renewable energy tax credit (Sec. 102).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends the renewable energy tax credit by 3 years for new qualified closed-loop or open-loop biomass facilities, geothermal or solar energy facilities, small irrigation power facilities, landfill gas facilities, trash combustion facilities, and qualified hydropower facilities (Sec. 101).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Extends for 6 years the 30 percent energy tax credit for qualified fuel cell property and solar energy property and the 10 percent credit for microturbine property (Sec. 103).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Designates marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as being qualified energy resources eligible for the renewable energy tax credit (Sec. 102).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Extends the tax credit for certain new residential "energy efficient" property for 6 years and raises the total tax credit for new solar electric property from $2,000 to $4,000 (Sec. 104).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends for 6 years the 30 percent energy tax credit for qualified fuel cell property and solar energy property and the 10 percent credit for microturbine property (Sec. 103).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Extends the research tax credit, restaurant property depreciation tax credits, and optional state sales tax deductions for one year (Sec. 221, 225, 201).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends the tax credit for certain new residential "energy efficient" property for 6 years and raises the total tax credit for new solar electric property from $2,000 to $4,000 (Sec. 104).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel for one year, and raises the biodiesel credits and biodiesel mixture credits from 50 cents per gallon to $1 per gallon (Sec. 122).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends the research tax credit, restaurant property depreciation tax credits, and optional state sales tax deductions for one year (Sec. 221, 225, 201).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Provides an additional standard deduction for real property taxes for non-itemizers of up to $350 or $700 for a joint return (Sec. 301).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel for one year, and raises the biodiesel credits and biodiesel mixture credits from 50 cents per gallon to $1 per gallon (Sec. 122).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Increases the child tax credit for low-income parents (Sec. 302).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Provides an additional standard deduction for real property taxes for non-itemizers of up to $350 or $700 for a joint return (Sec. 301).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Delays tax code provisions that would allow companies to allocate interest on a worldwide basis for 10 years (Sec. 402).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Increases the child tax credit for low-income parents (Sec. 302).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
*Mandates that compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a foreign corporation shall be includible in gross income in the absence of a substantial risk of forfeiture of rights to such compensation (Sec. 401).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info"/>
+
*Delays tax code provisions that would allow companies to allocate interest on a worldwide basis for 10 years (Sec. 402).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
 +
 
 +
*Mandates that compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a foreign corporation shall be includible in gross income in the absence of a substantial risk of forfeiture of rights to such compensation (Sec. 401).<ref name="ProjectVoteSmart info" />
  
 
== Key votes  ==
 
== Key votes  ==
  
===House===
+
=== House ===
  
 
On May 21 2008, the House considered a motion to recommit the bill with instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means.  
 
On May 21 2008, the House considered a motion to recommit the bill with instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means.  
Line 38: Line 37:
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="343" chamber="house" year="2008" />  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="343" chamber="house" year="2008" />  
  
The League of Conservation Voters, in its [[League of Conservation Voters 2008 House Scorecard|2008 House scorecard]], opposed this motion to recommit, and gave the vote the following description:
+
{{Record vote display|U.S. House of Representatives record vote 343, 110th Congress, Session 2}}
<blockquote>H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, as reported by the Ways and Means Committee, extended the tax credits for wind and other renewable energies by one year, while also renewing several important research and development tax credits, and renewing the commercial and residential energy efficiency tax credits. This package was supported by over two
+
hundred business, environmental, and utility groups. The tax credits would be paid for by delaying new interest allocation rules for multinational companies and changing the rules for taxing deferred compensation. Opponents maintained that loopholes closed by the bill amounted to tax increases. Representative McCrery (R-LA) sought to send the bill back to Committee with instructions that it be reported back without the offsets. Because conservative House Democrats would have resisted such a bill, this move was tantamount to killing the bill. The motion to recommit was rejected 201-220 (House roll call vote 343) on May 21. NO is the
+
pro-environment vote.<ref name="lcv">League of Conservation Voters, [http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf National Environmental Scorecard], Second Session 110th Congress.</ref> </blockquote>
+
  
 
The same day, the House passed the bill by a vote of 263-160.  
 
The same day, the House passed the bill by a vote of 263-160.  
+
 
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="344" chamber="house" year="2008" />  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="344" chamber="house" year="2008" />  
 +
{{Record vote display|U.S. House of Representatives record vote 344, 110th Congress, Session 2}}
  
The League of Conservation Voters, in its [[League of Conservation Voters 2008 House Scorecard|2008 House scorecard]], supported passage, and gave the vote the following description:
+
=== Senate  ===
<blockquote>"After the effort to weaken the bill failed, the bill passed 263-160 (House roll call vote 344). YES is the pro-environment vote. Congress finally extended the tax credits in early October."<ref name="lcv">League of Conservation Voters, [http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf National Environmental Scorecard], Second Session 110th Congress.</ref> </blockquote>
+
  
The Drum Major Institute which supported passage, selected the vote for its [[Drum Major Institute 2008 House Scorecard|2008 House scorecard]], where it gave the following description:
+
The bill, which was introduced May, 14, 2008, hoped to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which would provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. It was voted on by the Senate on September 23, 2008. <ref name="H.R.6049: Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008">CEnergy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008 on [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h6049/show].</ref>  
<blockquote>Middle-class Americans are increasingly feeling the effects of a misguided energy policy. The energy tax credit expansions and extensions in the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act are part of a long-term strategy to alleviate high fuel costs, make the country more energy efficient, and ensure that the economy retains jobs in renewable energy and technology. Indeed, failure to extend energy tax credits for solar and wind power could result in the loss of 116,000 jobs. With the middle class already feeling the effects of weak employment, Congress must strengthen a renewable energy and energy efficiency industry that benefits both the environment and the economy. The Act’s unrelated changes to the child tax credit would directly benefit 12.9 million children of aspiring middle-class families coping with high food, fuel, and health care costs. Expanding the income floor for the credit means that very low-income families, who currently benefit less from the credit than higher-income families, will receive the support they need to make ends meet. Finally, the revenue-raising provisions of the Act not only make the legislation fiscally responsible, but make the tax code fairer by eliminating loopholes exploited by wealthy executives and multinational corporations.
+
<ref>From Drum Major Institute, [http://www.drummajorinstitute.org/pdfs/2008_scorecard_layout_output.pdf "TheMiddleClass.org 2008 Congressional Scorecard"]</ref></blockquote>
+
  
===Senate===
+
<usvoteinfo year="2008" chamber="senate" rollcall="147" />
 +
{{Record vote display|U.S. Senate record vote 147, 110th Congress, Session 2}}
  
The Senate initially failed to invoke cloture and end debate on the bill.  
+
<br> The Senate initially failed to invoke cloture and end debate on the bill.  
  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="150" chamber="senate" year="2008" />  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="150" chamber="senate" year="2008" />  
 
+
{{Record vote display|U.S. Senate record vote 150, 110th Congress, Session 2}}
<br> The League of Conservation Voters, who supported the energy tax credits in the bill, supported cloture and included the vote in their [[League of Conservation Voters 2008 Senate Scorecard|2008 Senate Scorecard]], where they gave it the following description:
+
<blockquote>A broad coalition of businesses, construction companies, environmental organizations, investors, labor groups, trade associations and utilities agree that the single most effective measure to increase the use of clean renewable energy and energy efficiency is to extend and expand the present set of clean energy tax credits that are due to expire at the end of 2008. Energy experts maintain that extending the credits could save as many as 117,000 existing jobs and generate an additional $19 billion in domestic clean energy investment.</blockquote> <blockquote>On June 17, the Senate voted to move forward on H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, which had passed the House on May 21 by a margin of 263-160. This bill would have extended dozens of expired or soon-to-expire tax provisions for one year, including tax credits for research, investment in solar and fuel cells, and the production tax credit for wind and other renewable energy sources. The tax credits would be offset by closing various corporate loopholes.</blockquote> <blockquote>The majority of Senate Republicans maintained that there was no need to offset — pay for — extending existing tax credits, calling that move tantamount to a tax increase. In contrast, many conservative House Democrats insisted that all tax credits be fully paid for — a position the House leadership subsequently adopted.<ref>League of Conservation Voters, [http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf National Environmental Scorecard], Second Session 110th Congress.</ref></blockquote>
+
 
+
The Drum Major Institute, which supported the bill's energy tax credits, supported cloture and selected the vote for its [[Drum Major Institute 2008 Senate Scorecard|2008 Senate scorecard]], where it gave the following description:
+
<blockquote>Middle-class Americans are increasingly feeling the effects of a misguided energy policy. The energy tax credit expansions and extensions in the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act are part of a long-term strategy to alleviate high fuel costs, make the country more energy efficient, and ensure that the economy retains jobs in renewable energy and technology. Indeed, failure to extend energy tax credits for solar and wind power could result in the loss of 116,000 jobs. With the middle class already feeling the effects of weak employment, Congress must strengthen a renewable energy and energy efficiency industry that benefits both the environment and the economy. The Act’s unrelated changes to the child tax credit would directly benefit 12.9 million children of aspiring middle-class families coping with high food, fuel, and health care costs. Expanding the income floor for the credit means that very low-income families, who currently benefit less from the credit than higher-income families, will receive the support they need to make ends meet. Finally, the revenue-raising provisions of the Act not only make the legislation fiscally responsible, but make the tax code fairer by eliminating loopholes exploited by wealthy executives and multinational corporations.<ref>From Drum Major Institute, [http://www.drummajorinstitute.org/pdfs/2008_scorecard_layout_output.pdf "TheMiddleClass.org 2008 Congressional Scorecard"]</ref></blockquote>
+
  
 
Sens. Max Baucus and Sen. Charles Grassley proposed an amendment to extend tax credits for research.  
 
Sens. Max Baucus and Sen. Charles Grassley proposed an amendment to extend tax credits for research.  
  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="202" chamber="senate" year="2008" />  
 
<usvoteinfo rollcall="202" chamber="senate" year="2008" />  
 
Information Technology Industry Council, which supported the bill, selected the vote for its [[Information Technology Industry Council 2007 Senate Scorecard|2007 Senate scorecard]], where it gave the following description: <blockquote> Legislation included provisions to extend and expand the research and development tax credit for two years. <ref>[http://www.itic.org/clientuploads/scorecards/13307_ITI_VoteGuide_FINAL.pdf "High Tech Voting Guide"].</ref></blockquote>
 
  
 +
Information Technology Industry Council, which supported the bill, selected the vote for its [[Information Technology Industry Council 2007 Senate Scorecard|2007 Senate scorecard]], where it gave the following description:
 +
<blockquote>Legislation included provisions to extend and expand the research and development tax credit for two years. <ref>[http://www.itic.org/clientuploads/scorecards/13307_ITI_VoteGuide_FINAL.pdf "High Tech Voting Guide"].</ref></blockquote>
  
On September 23, 2008, the Senate passed the bill as amended by a vote of 93-2.
+
<usvoteinfo year="2008" chamber="senate" rollcall="203" />
<usvoteinfo rollcall="205" chamber="senate" year="2008" /><br>
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{{Record vote display|U.S. Senate record vote 203, 110th Congress, Session 2}}
 +
 
 +
<br> On September 23, 2008, the Senate passed the bill as amended by a vote of 93-2. <usvoteinfo rollcall="205" chamber="senate" year="2008" /><br>  
  
 
However, the bill was never signed into law by the president.<ref>OpenCongress' info page on [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h6049/show H.R. 6049].</ref>
 
However, the bill was never signed into law by the president.<ref>OpenCongress' info page on [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h6049/show H.R. 6049].</ref>
  
==Supporters==
+
== Supporters ==
* A. O. Smith Corporation
+
 
* Abbott Laboratories
+
*A. O. Smith Corporation  
* Advanced Micro Devices
+
*Abbott Laboratories  
* Advantage Capital Partners
+
*Advanced Micro Devices  
* Affymetrix
+
*Advantage Capital Partners  
* Agilent Technologies, Inc.
+
*Affymetrix  
* Air Conditioning Contractors of America
+
*Agilent Technologies, Inc.  
* Air Products and Chemicals
+
*Air Conditioning Contractors of America  
* Alliance to Save Energy
+
*Air Products and Chemicals  
* Alliant Energy Corporation
+
*Alliance to Save Energy  
* Altria Group
+
*Alliant Energy Corporation  
* America Public Power Association
+
*Altria Group  
* American Express Company
+
*America Public Power Association  
* American Institute of Architects
+
*American Express Company  
* American International Group
+
*American Institute of Architects  
* American Wind Energy Association
+
*American International Group  
* Apple
+
*American Wind Energy Association  
* Association of Educational Publishers
+
*Apple  
* AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
+
*Association of Educational Publishers  
* AT&T
+
*AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals  
* ATAS
+
*AT&amp;T  
* ATEECO
+
*ATAS  
* Autodesk
+
*ATEECO  
* Avaya
+
*Autodesk  
* Avista
+
*Avaya  
* BAE Systems
+
*Avista  
* Bank of America
+
*BAE Systems  
* Batesville Tool & Die
+
*Bank of America  
* Biogen Idec
+
*Batesville Tool &amp; Die  
* Boeing
+
*Biogen Idec  
* Bommer Industries
+
*Boeing  
* Borel Private Bank & Trust Company
+
*Bommer Industries  
* Bosch
+
*Borel Private Bank &amp; Trust Company  
* BP
+
*Bosch  
* Cabot Fuel Cells
+
*BP  
* Case New Holland
+
*Cabot Fuel Cells  
* Caterpillar Inc.
+
*Case New Holland  
* Chrysler LLC
+
*Caterpillar Inc.  
* Chubb Corporation
+
*Chrysler LLC  
* Cisco Systems
+
*Chubb Corporation  
* Citigroup, Inc.
+
*Cisco Systems  
* Click Bond
+
*Citigroup, Inc.  
* Coca-Cola Company
+
*Click Bond  
* Con-Way
+
*Coca-Cola Company  
* ConAgra
+
*Con-Way  
* Devine Tarbell & Associates
+
*ConAgra  
* DIAB
+
*Devine Tarbell &amp; Associates  
* Dow Chemical Company
+
*DIAB  
* Duke Energy Corporation
+
*Dow Chemical Company  
* Edison Electric Institute
+
*Duke Energy Corporation  
* Empire Broadcasting
+
*Edison Electric Institute  
* Environmental Defense Fund
+
*Empire Broadcasting  
* Exelon Corporation
+
*Environmental Defense Fund  
* Extol International
+
*Exelon Corporation  
* FileMaker
+
*Extol International  
* Florida Power & Light Company
+
*FileMaker  
* Ford Motor Company
+
*Florida Power &amp; Light Company  
* Fredon Corporation
+
*Ford Motor Company  
* Fresh Energy
+
*Fredon Corporation  
* FuelCell Energy
+
*Fresh Energy  
* GE Energy
+
*FuelCell Energy  
* General Electric
+
*GE Energy  
* General Motors Corp.
+
*General Electric  
* Genworth Financial
+
*General Motors Corp.  
* Gilead Sciences
+
*Genworth Financial  
* GMAC
+
*Gilead Sciences  
* Goldman Sachs
+
*GMAC  
* Goodrich
+
*Goldman Sachs  
* Greenpeace
+
*Goodrich  
* Griffin Realty Advisors
+
*Greenpeace  
* Harley-Davidson Motor Company
+
*Griffin Realty Advisors  
* Hewlett-Packard
+
*Harley-Davidson Motor Company  
* Honeywell
+
*Hewlett-Packard  
* i2 Technologies
+
*Honeywell  
* IBM Corporation
+
*i2 Technologies  
* Independent Sector
+
*IBM Corporation  
* Intel Corporation
+
*Independent Sector  
* Intevac
+
*Intel Corporation  
* JDS Uniphase Corporation
+
*Intevac  
* Johnson & Johnson
+
*JDS Uniphase Corporation  
* JPMorgan Chase & Co.
+
*Johnson &amp; Johnson  
* Key Bank
+
*JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.  
* KPMG LLP
+
*Key Bank  
* LibraryWorld, Inc
+
*KPMG LLP  
* Lincoln Financial
+
*LibraryWorld, Inc  
* Lockheed Martin
+
*Lincoln Financial  
* Louis Dreyfus
+
*Lockheed Martin  
* Maxim Integrated Products
+
*Louis Dreyfus  
* McCormick & Company
+
*Maxim Integrated Products  
* Merck & Co., Inc.
+
*McCormick &amp; Company  
* Merrill Lynch
+
*Merck &amp; Co., Inc.  
* Microsoft
+
*Merrill Lynch  
* Mitsubishi Electric
+
*Microsoft  
* Monsanto Company
+
*Mitsubishi Electric  
* Mortenson Construction
+
*Monsanto Company  
* National Association of Manufacturers
+
*Mortenson Construction  
* National Biodiesel Board
+
*National Association of Manufacturers  
* National Electrical Manufacturers Association
+
*National Biodiesel Board  
* National Hydropower Association
+
*National Electrical Manufacturers Association  
* National Retail Federation
+
*National Hydropower Association  
* National School Supply and Equipment Association
+
*National Retail Federation  
* National Wildlife Federation
+
*National School Supply and Equipment Association  
* New Leaf Paper
+
*National Wildlife Federation  
* News Corporation
+
*New Leaf Paper  
* North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
+
*News Corporation  
* Northrop Grumman
+
*North American Insulation Manufacturers Association  
* Novo Nordisk
+
*Northrop Grumman  
* Oracle Corporation
+
*Novo Nordisk  
* Pfizer
+
*Oracle Corporation  
* PG&E Corporation
+
*Pfizer  
* Procter & Gamble
+
*PG&amp;E Corporation  
* Raser Technologies
+
*Procter &amp; Gamble  
* Rath, Young and Pignatelli
+
*Raser Technologies  
* Raytheon
+
*Rath, Young and Pignatelli  
* Real Estate Roundtable
+
*Raytheon  
* Retail Industry Leaders Association
+
*Real Estate Roundtable  
* Sealed Air Corporation
+
*Retail Industry Leaders Association  
* Sierra Club
+
*Sealed Air Corporation  
* Solar Energy Industries Association
+
*Sierra Club  
* Solar Nation
+
*Solar Energy Industries Association  
* Specialized Bicycles
+
*Solar Nation  
* Steel-Fab
+
*Specialized Bicycles  
* Texas Instruments
+
*Steel-Fab  
* Tupperware
+
*Texas Instruments  
* Union of Concerned Scientists
+
*Tupperware  
* Wachovia
+
*Union of Concerned Scientists  
* Walt Disney Company
+
*Wachovia  
* World Wildlife Fund
+
*Walt Disney Company  
 +
*World Wildlife Fund
 +
 
 +
== Opponents  ==
 +
 
 +
*Americans for Tax Reform
 +
*Associated Builders and Contractors
 +
*Club for Growth
 +
*FreedomWorks
 +
*Independent Electrical Contractors
 +
*National Taxpayers Union
  
==Opponents==
+
== Articles and resources  ==
* Americans for Tax Reform
+
* Associated Builders and Contractors
+
* Club for Growth
+
* FreedomWorks
+
* Independent Electrical Contractors
+
* National Taxpayers Union
+
  
==Articles and resources==
+
*Congress Daily's article [http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/cdp_20080612_1226.php House Dems Issue Ultimatum On Pay/Go On Tax Package] 12 Jun 2008.  
* Congress Daily's article [http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/cdp_20080612_1226.php House Dems Issue Ultimatum On Pay/Go On Tax Package] 12 Jun 2008.  
+
*Grist's article [http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/6/10/11530/1857 No renewal for renewables] 10 Jun 2008.  
* Grist's article [http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/6/10/11530/1857 No renewal for renewables] 10 Jun 2008.
+
*Renewable Energy World.com's article [http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52546&src=rss U.S. House Passes Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extension Bill] 22 May 2008.  
* Renewable Energy World.com's article [http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52546&src=rss U.S. House Passes Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extension Bill] 22 May 2008.  
+
*The Wall Street Journal's article [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121142149016912995.html?mod=googlenews_wsj House Votes Tax Breaks For Alternative Energy] 22 May 2008.  
* The Wall Street Journal's article [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121142149016912995.html?mod=googlenews_wsj House Votes Tax Breaks For Alternative Energy] 22 May 2008.  
+
*Grist's article [http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/5/21/17284/2267 Renewables hit the jackpot] 21 May 2008.  
* Grist's article [http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/5/21/17284/2267 Renewables hit the jackpot] 21 May 2008.
+
*ENewsUSA's [http://enewsusa.blogspot.com/2008/05/committee-approves-fast-tracked-energy.html Committee Approves Fast-Tracked Energy &amp; Tax Extenders Act] 19 May 2008.
* ENewsUSA's [http://enewsusa.blogspot.com/2008/05/committee-approves-fast-tracked-energy.html Committee Approves Fast-Tracked Energy & Tax Extenders Act] 19 May 2008.  
+
  
===See also===
+
=== See also ===
  
===References===
+
=== References ===
  
<references/>
+
<references />

Latest revision as of 15:06, July 31, 2009

Back to main bill page for votes, text and more.

Article summary (how summaries work)
The Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008 (H.R. 6049) was a bill in the 110th Congress "to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes." (Official title.)[1]


Contents

Current status


To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Charles B. Rangel [D, NY-13]Committees: House Ways and Means


Bill summary

  • Extends the renewable energy tax credit by one year for new wind facilities (Sec. 101).[1]
  • Extends the renewable energy tax credit by 3 years for new qualified closed-loop or open-loop biomass facilities, geothermal or solar energy facilities, small irrigation power facilities, landfill gas facilities, trash combustion facilities, and qualified hydropower facilities (Sec. 101).[1]
  • Designates marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as being qualified energy resources eligible for the renewable energy tax credit (Sec. 102).[1]
  • Extends for 6 years the 30 percent energy tax credit for qualified fuel cell property and solar energy property and the 10 percent credit for microturbine property (Sec. 103).[1]
  • Extends the tax credit for certain new residential "energy efficient" property for 6 years and raises the total tax credit for new solar electric property from $2,000 to $4,000 (Sec. 104).[1]
  • Extends the research tax credit, restaurant property depreciation tax credits, and optional state sales tax deductions for one year (Sec. 221, 225, 201).[1]
  • Extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel for one year, and raises the biodiesel credits and biodiesel mixture credits from 50 cents per gallon to $1 per gallon (Sec. 122).[1]
  • Provides an additional standard deduction for real property taxes for non-itemizers of up to $350 or $700 for a joint return (Sec. 301).[1]
  • Increases the child tax credit for low-income parents (Sec. 302).[1]
  • Delays tax code provisions that would allow companies to allocate interest on a worldwide basis for 10 years (Sec. 402).[1]
  • Mandates that compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a foreign corporation shall be includible in gross income in the absence of a substantial risk of forfeiture of rights to such compensation (Sec. 401).[1]

Key votes

House

On May 21 2008, the House considered a motion to recommit the bill with instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means.

House Record Vote (343)
May 21, 2008
On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: H R 6049 Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act
On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 46% - Failed
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 1/2 (50%)
201
Ayes
220
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes71930
Nays21800
Abst.850

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: League of Conservation Voters 2008 House Scorecard

Org. position: Nay

Description:

"H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, as reported by the Ways and Means Committee, extended the tax credits for wind and other renewable energies by one year, while also renewing several important research and development tax credits, and renewing the commercial and residential energy efficiency tax credits. This package was supported by over two hundred business, environmental, and utility groups. The tax credits would be paid for by delaying new interest allocation rules for multinational companies and changing the rules for taxing deferred compensation. Opponents maintained that loopholes closed by the bill amounted to tax increases. Representative McCrery (R-LA) sought to send the bill back to Committee with instructions that it be reported back without the offsets. Because conservative House Democrats would have resisted such a bill, this move was tantamount to killing the bill. The motion to recommit was rejected 201-220 (House roll call vote 343) on May 21. NO is the pro-environment vote."

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf)

The same day, the House passed the bill by a vote of 263-160.

House Record Vote (344)
May 21, 2008
On Passage: H R 6049 Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act
On Passage
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 60% - Passed
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 1/2 (50%)
263
Ayes
160
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes226350
Nays11580
Abst.750

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: National Journal 2008 House Scorecard

Org. position: {{{Vote position 1}}}

Description:

"Extend numerous expiring tax provisions, including for renewable fuels, with budgetary offsets. May 21. (263-160)"

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20090228_4813.php)

Senate

The bill, which was introduced May, 14, 2008, hoped to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which would provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. It was voted on by the Senate on September 23, 2008. [2]

Senate Record Vote (147)
June 10, 2008
On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to Consider H.R. 6049 )
On the Cloture Motion
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 50% - Cloture Motion Rejected
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 3/5 (60%)
50
Ayes
44
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes4532
Nays1430
Abst.420

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: National Journal 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Nay

Description:

"Extend numerous expiring tax provisions, including for renewable fuels, with budgetary offsets. May 21. (263-160)"

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20090228_4813.php)


The Senate initially failed to invoke cloture and end debate on the bill.

Senate Record Vote (150)
June 17, 2008
On the Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to H. R. 6049 )
On the Motion
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 52% - Motion Rejected
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 3/5 (60%)
52
Ayes
44
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes4552
Nays2420
Abst.310

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: Drum Major Institute 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Aye

Description:

"Middle-class Americans are increasingly feeling the effects of a misguided energy policy. The energy tax credit expansions and extensions in the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act are part of a long-term strategy to alleviate high fuel costs, make the country more energy efficient, and ensure that the economy retains jobs in renewable energy and technology. Indeed, failure to extend energy tax credits for solar and wind power could result in the loss of 116,000 jobs. With the middle class already feeling the effects of weak employment, Congress must strengthen a renewable energy and energy efficiency industry that benefits both the environment and the economy. The Act’s unrelated changes to the child tax credit would directly benefit 12.9 million children of aspiring middle-class families coping with high food, fuel, and health care costs. Expanding the income floor for the credit means that very low-income families, who currently benefit less from the credit than higher-income families, will receive the support they need to make ends meet. Finally, the revenue-raising provisions of the Act not only make the legislation fiscally responsible, but make the tax code fairer by eliminating loopholes exploited by wealthy executives and multinational corporations."

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.drummajorinstitute.org/library/report.php?ID=87)

Scored vote

Scorecard: League of Conservation Voters 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Aye

Description:

"A broad coalition of businesses, construction companies, environmental organizations, investors, labor groups, trade associations and utilities agree that the single most effective measure to increase the use of clean renewable energy and energy efficiency is to extend and expand the present set of clean energy tax credits that are due to expire at the end of 2008. Energy experts maintain that extending the credits could save as many as 117,000 existing jobs and generate an additional $19 billion in domestic clean energy investment. On June 17, the Senate voted to move forward on H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, which had passed the House on May 21 by a margin of 263-160. This bill would have extended dozens of expired or soon-to-expire tax provisions for one year, including tax credits for research, investment in solar and fuel cells, and the production tax credit for wind and other renewable energy sources. The tax credits would be offset by closing various corporate loopholes. The majority of Senate Republicans maintained that there was no need to offset — pay for — extending existing tax credits, calling that move tantamount to a tax increase. In contrast, many conservative House Democrats insisted that all tax credits be fully paid for — a position the House leadership subsequently adopted."

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf)

Sens. Max Baucus and Sen. Charles Grassley proposed an amendment to extend tax credits for research.

Senate Record Vote (202)
September 23, 2008
On the Amendment (Baucus Amdt. No. 5633 )
On the Amendment
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 93% - Amendment Agreed to
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 3/5 (60%)
93
Ayes
2
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes47442
Nays020
Abst.320

Information Technology Industry Council, which supported the bill, selected the vote for its 2007 Senate scorecard, where it gave the following description:

Legislation included provisions to extend and expand the research and development tax credit for two years. [3]
Senate Record Vote (203)
September 23, 2008
On the Amendment (Conrad Amdt No. 5634 )
On the Amendment
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 53% - Amendment Rejected
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 3/5 (60%)
53
Ayes
42
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes4652
Nays1410
Abst.320

Same for all scorecards:

Scored vote

Scorecard: National Journal 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Nay

Description:

"Offset a reduction in the alternative minimum tax with tax increases on businesses. September 23. (53-42; 60 votes required for passage because of a unanimous consent agreement)"

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20090228_4813.php)


On September 23, 2008, the Senate passed the bill as amended by a vote of 93-2.
Senate Record Vote (205)
September 23, 2008
On Passage of the Bill (H.R.6049 As Amended )
On Passage of the Bill
Percentage of 'Aye' votes: 93% - Bill Passed
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 1/2 (50%)
93
Ayes
2
Nays
 DemRep Other
Ayes45462
Nays200
Abst.320

However, the bill was never signed into law by the president.[4]

Supporters

  • A. O. Smith Corporation
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Advanced Micro Devices
  • Advantage Capital Partners
  • Affymetrix
  • Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  • Air Conditioning Contractors of America
  • Air Products and Chemicals
  • Alliance to Save Energy
  • Alliant Energy Corporation
  • Altria Group
  • America Public Power Association
  • American Express Company
  • American Institute of Architects
  • American International Group
  • American Wind Energy Association
  • Apple
  • Association of Educational Publishers
  • AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
  • AT&T
  • ATAS
  • ATEECO
  • Autodesk
  • Avaya
  • Avista
  • BAE Systems
  • Bank of America
  • Batesville Tool & Die
  • Biogen Idec
  • Boeing
  • Bommer Industries
  • Borel Private Bank & Trust Company
  • Bosch
  • BP
  • Cabot Fuel Cells
  • Case New Holland
  • Caterpillar Inc.
  • Chrysler LLC
  • Chubb Corporation
  • Cisco Systems
  • Citigroup, Inc.
  • Click Bond
  • Coca-Cola Company
  • Con-Way
  • ConAgra
  • Devine Tarbell & Associates
  • DIAB
  • Dow Chemical Company
  • Duke Energy Corporation
  • Edison Electric Institute
  • Empire Broadcasting
  • Environmental Defense Fund
  • Exelon Corporation
  • Extol International
  • FileMaker
  • Florida Power & Light Company
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Fredon Corporation
  • Fresh Energy
  • FuelCell Energy
  • GE Energy
  • General Electric
  • General Motors Corp.
  • Genworth Financial
  • Gilead Sciences
  • GMAC
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Goodrich
  • Greenpeace
  • Griffin Realty Advisors
  • Harley-Davidson Motor Company
  • Hewlett-Packard
  • Honeywell
  • i2 Technologies
  • IBM Corporation
  • Independent Sector
  • Intel Corporation
  • Intevac
  • JDS Uniphase Corporation
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Key Bank
  • KPMG LLP
  • LibraryWorld, Inc
  • Lincoln Financial
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Louis Dreyfus
  • Maxim Integrated Products
  • McCormick & Company
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • Merrill Lynch
  • Microsoft
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Monsanto Company
  • Mortenson Construction
  • National Association of Manufacturers
  • National Biodiesel Board
  • National Electrical Manufacturers Association
  • National Hydropower Association
  • National Retail Federation
  • National School Supply and Equipment Association
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • New Leaf Paper
  • News Corporation
  • North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Novo Nordisk
  • Oracle Corporation
  • Pfizer
  • PG&E Corporation
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Raser Technologies
  • Rath, Young and Pignatelli
  • Raytheon
  • Real Estate Roundtable
  • Retail Industry Leaders Association
  • Sealed Air Corporation
  • Sierra Club
  • Solar Energy Industries Association
  • Solar Nation
  • Specialized Bicycles
  • Steel-Fab
  • Texas Instruments
  • Tupperware
  • Union of Concerned Scientists
  • Wachovia
  • Walt Disney Company
  • World Wildlife Fund

Opponents

  • Americans for Tax Reform
  • Associated Builders and Contractors
  • Club for Growth
  • FreedomWorks
  • Independent Electrical Contractors
  • National Taxpayers Union

Articles and resources

See also

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Project Vote Smart's info page on Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008(H.R.6049).
  2. CEnergy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008 on [1].
  3. "High Tech Voting Guide".
  4. OpenCongress' info page on H.R. 6049.
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