Congress Funds Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy

Obscured by the spate of anti-environment legislative riders, Congress has also agreed to support both energy efficiency and renewable energy.As reported by Energy Manager Today, Congress appropriated 1.93 billion for the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This represents an increase of nearly 25 million from the previous year. Energy efficiency tax incentives will be extended for another year. The tax extenders package includes provisions on energy-efficient commercial buildings, new homes, and various residential energy-efficiency retrofits (e.g. heating, cooling and water heating systems, insulation, and windows). These provisions all expired in Dec. 31, 2013, and the new provision extends through Dec. 31, 2014, allowing these credits to be claimed in 2014.The advanced manufacturing office and weatherization assistance programs received increases of 11 percent and 9 percent respectively. However, appropriations for the buildings, vehicles, and federal energy management programs were reduced. RELATEDGermany's Renewable Energy LeadershipClean Energy Can Replace Fossil FuelsRenewables Gaining on Fossil Fuels Despite Reports to the ContraryCanadian Clean Energy Grows Despite Ruling Conservatives Graphics - Renewable Energy: Economic Benefits and Scaling UK's Renewable Energy (Wind) Records in 2014Why Oil Prices Matter for Renewable EnergySupply Chain Advocacy to Advance Renewable Energy: The Story of E.ONVideo - Iran's Renewable Energy Revolution Subscribe in a reader