Tell Rep. Kirkpatrick: We need climate action now! Extend tax credits needed to expand our clean energy technology revolution

There's one big way Congress can help speed up action on clean energy and climate change:

Tax credits!

By extending or modifying critical tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency investments, the federal government can provide billions of dollars in tax incentives that will help solve the climate crisis.

Here's the problem: Many of these tax credits are outdated, expired, or set to expire soon, including in four key green technology areas needed to meet our climate goals — electric vehicles, offshore wind, electric grid scale storage, and building efficiency.

Without extensions and modifications to tax credits in these areas, clean energy innovation could stall and our planet will be driven even closer to the brink of climate catastrophe.

Tell Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick: We need climate action now! Extend smart and vital tax credits needed to expand our clean energy technology revolution.

Clean energy solutions are good for our environment and our economy, creating jobs and reducing energy costs for consumers.

Moreover, we know these credits work. Wind and solar already have received tax incentives that have proved incredibly successful at increasing the amount of renewable energy on the grid.

The House of Representatives tax committee just passed legislation to extend a host of other tax credits, but that bill did not update or extend the important credits we need for electric vehicles, offshore wind, and energy storage. It also included outdated energy efficiency tax credits for commercial buildings and new homes that must be modified to be effective.

In order to succeed in including these credits, we need as many people as possible to urge their representatives to do their part to fund them. Can you help?

Tell your representative that clean energy innovation is needed now — and that you're counting on her to do her part to make sure these crucial climate goals are met.

Earlier this year, the House passed the "Climate Action Now Act," showing that addressing climate change is at the top of their priority list. And extending these critical tax credits is another way the House can demonstrate its commitment to action on climate change.

Given the urgency and scale of transformation needed to address climate change and rapidly decarbonize our economy, one of Congress's top priorities must be to provide tax credits that make the greatest impact toward meeting our nation's climate change goals and commitments. Please make your voice heard at your representative's office now.

- Kevin S. Curtis, NRDC Action Fund

The House Tax Bill: An All-Out Attack on Clean Energy

Congress is threatening the progress we’ve made on electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The House tax reform bill is a dangerous blow to growing industries that reduce global warming emissions, clean our air, create jobs, and save consumers money.

In addition to cutting taxes for the wealthy at the expense of middle class and low-income families, the bill includes energy provisions that are nothing but a blatant handout to the fossil fuel industry. The bill eliminates the EV tax credit that makes these clean vehicles more affordable to consumers, just when the industry is beginning to reach a scale to compete with gasoline-powered vehicles. It will also limit the ability of clean energy developers to use solar and wind tax credits.

We can't let Congress stall the progress we’ve made in building a domestic clean energy and transportation economy.

Learn more about the importance of EV incentives and the recent growth of U.S. solar and wind.

Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. An operator will connect you directly with the congressional representative you request.

TALKING POINTS TO GUIDE YOUR CALL

• Hi, my name is [YOUR FULL NAME] and I'm a constituent from [YOUR TOWN/CITY].
• I am calling about the shortsighted House tax reform bill and its focus on creating tax breaks for the wealthy while undermining things that benefit everybody, such as clean energy.
• I strongly oppose eliminating the federal electric vehicle tax credit as part of this bill.
• I want to continue to have access to the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle car buyers, so that EVs become more affordable and automakers continue to drive innovation.
• Although I don't think the electric vehicle tax credit will be necessary forever, we do need it now to continue to make the technology more cost competitive with conventional vehicles.
• I also would like to express my strong opposition to limiting eligibility for two critical renewable energy credits for wind and solar energy production, the PTC and ITC.
• These two tax credits are critical to growing our clean energy economy, which has led to new jobs, reliable access to affordable energy sources, new income for rural communities, and has greatly benefited our health and environment. 
• It is hypocritical to claim we need to lose these tax credits—which offer clean air, new jobs, and benefits to rural economies— when you aren’t cutting things like fossil fuels subsidies and are using the money for a tax cut for the most wealthy.
• I ask [REPRESENTATIVE] to oppose any cuts to Electric Vehicles Tax Credit, in Section 30 D of the tax code, as well as any changes to the wind and solar production tax credits.
• Thank you for your time.

If you reach voicemail, feel free to leave a message. Please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your call is tallied.

- Union of Concerned Scientists