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Democrats AND Republicans want tax reform to further renewable energy

Raul Ruiz urges tax reforms to benefit renewable energy   Aug. 16, 2013  Erica Felci   The Desert Sun PALM DESERT — Calling renewable energy development a “critical area of economic growth,” Rep. Raul Ruiz on Friday called on his fellow lawmakers to reform the federal tax code in a way that benefits wind, solar and other green industries.

The Palm Desert Democrat joined two fellow representatives — Republican Jon Runyan of New Jersey and Democrat Earl Blumenauer of Oregon — in a letter that was sent to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

The letter said the United States saw a 34 percent decrease in renewable energy investments last year because of “policy uncertainty.” To stop that, officials are urging the committee to include “policies that promote America’s renewable energy economy” as part of much-discussed tax reform.

Such change could benefit the Coachella Valley and the rest of Ruiz’s district, which hosts geothermal, solar and wind developments from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea. It’s also home to the the Riverside East Solar Zone that runs along Interstate 10 from Joshua Tree National Park to Blythe.

The letter was signed by 60 Democrats and Republicans.

“The race to develop renewable energy is widely considered one of the most important areas of economic growth for the 21st century,” the letter states. “Maintaining policies in the tax code that promote investment in and deployment of renewable energy technologies will help ensure that the American consumer continues to benefit from renewable energy innovations while also reaping the benefits of a diverse energy economy.”….. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20130816/BUSINESS0302/308160004/Ruiz-urges-tax-reforms-benefit-renewable-energy?nclick_check=1

August 17, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, USA