New York State has adopted a State Tax Credit for green buildings, totaling $25 million over 5 years. I was asked what I thought about this development, and how it might be implemented here in Massachusetts. My response follows:

I had a few thoughts about the NY State Tax credit:

1. It is striking to me that the governors most interested in sustainable design, Pataki and Ridge of PA, are both Republicans. Perhaps Celucci can follow their example.

2. It is also striking how small the amount of the tax credit is.

3. Given the situation with the Big Dig, I don't see proposals for additional spending making much headway in MA, unless, of course, it is for a new Fenway Park.

4. I find it amazing to think about the money the MTC is planning to spend on renewables - $50 million/year. (I read that spending on renewables per capita is higher in MA than anywhere else in the US). Compare that to what people seem quite willing to spend on a baseball team. Or what a bad movie takes in over one holiday weekend.

As to what we can do - I think the first step is to make people in government aware of what is happening elsewhere. The second step is to ask them to at least follow the lead of other states. If we can make the argument that support for environmental initiatives, like sustainable design, leads to a better business climate and a higher standard of living (which I think is true), then attitudes will begin to change. I am skeptical of people who try to win the argument on moral grounds. It's not that I disagree, just that people have tuned that argument out after 30 years. But I think the argument can be won on economic grounds.

Anyone else care to share their thoughts?

chris schaffner

-- chris schaffner (chris@greenengineer.com), May 31, 2000

Answers

Here in Southern California, where the sun shines a great deal of the time A 50% tax credit is allowed on systems that tie into the grid.

What sucks is that when your system cranks the meter back to zero it's like a pail full of water, everything else that the system produces and that can't be put to use, flows over the top.

Public Utilities should require that the utility pays for at least the wholesale value of the excess power.

Trust me that is reason to promote solar.

Also, what's the problem with anyone inserting power onto the grid through an approved system?

Well, for those of you who haven't figured out the answer, how many of you know a congressman who was elected with solar contributions?

How many have been elected with oil money?

What good is a 50% tax credit?

Take away the tax credit completely and let us sell our power onto the grid for the same price we have to pay, minus a maintenance cost by the utility.

There is enough real estate in the Mojave Desert for the location of enough PV panels to run the country and enough sun as well.

Why on earth would a congressman do anything to promote alternative energy?

So go to the poles and vote out the incumbant in favor of leaders who are commited to becomming energy independant.

-- david o collins (daveyoly@mindspring.com), September 08, 2002.