American Clean Power Statement: Senate Final Passage of Budget Bill

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from CEO Jason Grumet after the Senate passed, in a 51-50 vote, the reconciliation bill: 

“The Senate reconciliation package is a step backward for American energy policy. The intentional effort to undermine the fastest-growing sources of electric power will lead to increased energy bills, decreased grid reliability, and the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Most discouraging is forfeiting the progress we’ve made in manufacturing batteries, wind turbines and solar panels, and the economic growth occurring in communities across the country. 

“With energy demand skyrocketing, we must work as a nation to maximize all domestic energy resources. While it was expected that this legislation would shift the direction of U.S. energy policy, we can’t afford to pick winners and losers when it comes to reliable, American-made energy. We need all of it— and we need it fast. 

“While the twelve-month phase out of clean energy tax incentives is very aggressive, the final bill avoids two punitive measures that would have needlessly harmed American energy production. Notably, the Senate removed provisions that would have changed tax policy retroactively and undermined energy projects already in development. The legislation also removed a new tax increase targeting only wind and solar power that was added with no notice and little explanation.   

“We appreciate the members of Congress who worked to get this legislation to a better place. Their efforts reinforce the basic principle that Congress should not bet against progress in any part of our economy.  

“The American clean power sector is central to our nation’s success and will continue to play a growing role in the true all of the above energy strategy that is required to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean power to the American people.” 

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org