New Tax Break for Cyclists, NC Rep cries Eureka! (or not)
Via a tip from a friend in NYC, it looks like the House has passed a new bill that will, among other things, give a tax break to commuters on bike ($20/month). H.R. 2776 (Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007) passed 221-189 over the past week. The amendment also “extends the consumer tax credit currently available for the purchase of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to include tax credits for conversion kits to make existing hybrids into plug-ins.”
Since this amendment passed it ushers in: HR 969, known as the Udall-Platts Amendment (voting Friday), would require utilities nationwide to increase the amount of renewables in their portfolio to 20 percent by 2020.
Despite the possible progressive outcomes of these Amendments, it seems there has been some distaste from an NC Congressman, Patrick McHenry (R). It seems he has referred to the vote as “Democrats, promoting 19th century solutions to 21st century problems. If you don’t like it, ride a bike. If you don’t like the price at the pumps, ride a bike.” This guy knows how to promote progressive living doesn’t he. More coverage of McHenry’s antics HERE along with a video of his response to the bill HERE
Also there is some disappointment from the NOIA crowd, which makes sense considering their links to Offshore Oil and Natural Gas industry.
YAYS and NAYS in the House Vote
The McHenry conversation continues HERE at Blue NC
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Barden
08/10 09:54 AM
What gets me is that here was an opportunity to help people save money (some commute by bike by choice, not so for others) and McHenry scoffs at the idea. He’s a jerk. I’m glad we’ve got some decent reps in the US House.
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actionUnit
08/10 03:12 PM
i know i need to ride/ walk more, i have been better about it over the last year…..but after reading this article and its subsequent links, i felt like riding circles around McHenry’s house! Biking might not be for you, but why would anyone discourage others from doing so? I also thought it was hilarious that someone said “the car is a 19th century invention and a 21st century liability”.
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Jedidiah
08/10 03:51 PM
With the heat the way it has been the past week or two, it’s hard to ride at all without taking a change of clothes and a portable shower with you. I ride mostly at night now when the temperature drops to 90, but am still drenched in sweat. I look forward to the fall when biking to work will become a daily activity again!
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Chad
08/10 05:47 PM
This is great! I’m looking forward to that tax credit…
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Chad
08/11 06:46 PM
Actually the law requires that, if the employer provides reimbursement directly to you for out of pocket expenses related to using a bike for commuting, then the amount is not taxable to you (limited to $20 per month). You don’t take a tax credit on your tax return.
The full document can be read at http://www.house.gov/jct/x-35-07.pdf in section II A5
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