Great Gray Owl. Photo: Syler Peralta-Ramos/Audubon Photography Awards
December 26, 2019 - WASHINGTON — Congress has reached an agreement to fund the federal government, but has missed an important opportunity to extend expiring clean energy tax incentives. These provisions — including support for energy storage, solar, wind, geothermal, electric vehicles, and carbon capture — help finance clean energy projects and infrastructure, which in turn create jobs, make electricity more affordable, and increase the share of carbon-free electricity powering our grid.
“These incentives were designed to boost clean energy technology and affordability, and have proven effective in recent years at creating jobs and helping innovative clean energy businesses grow,” said Renee Stone, vice president for climate at the National Audubon Society. “We support their extension and urge speedy action by Congress to get them done as soon as possible. Congress must continue to find achievable solutions to address the urgent need to reduce harmful emissions and encourage investment in renewable energy.”
A recent Audubon study found that nearly two-thirds of North America’s birds face extinction if the rate of global temperature warming is allowed to continue at its current pace. Slowing that rate of increase from 3 degrees Celsius to 1.5 degrees Celsius can make a tremendous difference in protecting birds and their environments. Earlier this year, Audubon outlined priorities for the kinds of tax provisions that could make the biggest difference for climate this year.
“Our own research shows that the cost of inaction is devastating to birds, and by extension, devastating to the people who share their environment,” said Stone. “Tax incentives that support the research, development, and deployment of clean energy would make a significant difference. Congress has missed the opportunity to take meaningful legislative action on this issue, but must commit to prioritizing effective solutions on clean energy in the coming year, including a second look at a clean energy tax package.”
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Source: Audubon
