Sometimes A Majority of Votes is not Enough.

On Thursday the U.S. Senate fell one vote short of extending the solar tax incentives in the 2007 Energy Bill. 60 votes were needed to move this legislation forward with a filibuster-proof majority. The vote just missed at 59 to 40, virtually along party lines. As a result, the tax incentives for renewable energy production and energy conservation were removed from the Energy Bill. Also the federal renewable energy standard was dropped.

The revised bill passed the Senate last night. While we're pleased to see widespread support for increasing auto fuel efficiency standards and improved appliance efficiency (which is a good start), overall, the Senate missed a golden opportunity.

At a time when the U.S. should be investing in clean, renewable sources of energy to help strengthen the economy, create jobs and tackle climate change, 40 Senators voted to protect the status quo. This is incredibly disappointing. But this is not the end.

This setback only strengthens our resolve.

You showed us that together we can start to shift the national debate. Thanks to supporters like you, the U.S. House sent a powerful message that solar energy and energy efficiency are national priorities. The need is clear, and this is just the beginning. Together, in the weeks ahead, we must retool and continue to move this effort forward.

In the mean time, I'd like to personally thank you for your continued support and involvement.  Perseverance in a noble cause is a renewable source of energy.

With sincere thanks, Brad

Brad Collins

Executive Director,

American Solar Energy Society

www.ases.org

PS. Special thanks to our many industry partners - especially SEIA - for their ongoing legislative efforts and persistence.