Washington - Today, the Obama administration unveiled plans for a boost to clean energy manufacturing in the United States through an additional $5 billion in tax credits as part of a forthcoming jobs bill. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is the author of the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act (S.2755) to broaden the Solar Income Tax Credit to include solar manufacturing facilities and equipment. He recently led a letter to President Obama and Senator Reid urging inclusion of his proposal as part of the jobs bill. Today, he hailed the White House's announcement.

"We cannot afford to fall behind the clean energy race and watch as the jobs of the future continue to be outsourced overseas to nations that are more committed to building clean energy technology," said Senator Menendez. "The president and Majority Leader know that I fully believe a broadening of solar tax credits to include manufacturing would be a tremendous job-creator, energy-saver and environment-protector. I am excited that the White House understands the importance of what I am advocating. This boost in clean energy manufacturing is an important step forward, and I will work to build upon it with lasting and effective policies to make our nation the clean energy leader."

Currently, a 30 percent Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC) exists for the purchase or installation of solar power technology. Under this Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act, equipment and facilities used to manufacture solar power technology would be added to the eligible property list for the SITC.

Menendez's bill is co-sponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

Click here to follow a link to the letter they recently sent to the President and Majority Leader on their bill.


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