Energy Bill Update: Will Renewables Be a Part of the Political Landscape?

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50580

After much concern about whether or not key provisions for renewable energy will be a part of this year's energy bill, it appears that tax incentives and a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) are still options on the table, according to industry sources in contact with staffers working on the legislation.

"Many of us believe the Democratic leadership is falling into a game of chicken here. We do have a lot of Republican support for our provisions, so we don't believe they ought to be caving in." -- Scott Sklar, President, The Stella Group, Ltd.

Last week, industry trade groups in Washington reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi publicly stated that they would separate the tax incentives and RPS from the energy bill in order to pass it before the Thanksgiving recess.

Now, because of increased pressure from industry associations, their members and other concerned citizens, Congressional leaders say they are still looking at all possible options for the energy bill and that a decision on final language probably won't come until next month.

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