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.
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