Yesterday the U.S. Senate adopted the Cantwell-Ensign amendment as part of the Housing Stimulus bill by a vote of 88-8. Shortly after, the Senate passed H.R. 3221, The Housing Stimulus Act of 2008, by a vote of 84-12.

The Senate Cantwell-Ensign amendment (#4419) enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support and its adoption sent a clear signal that legislators hope to pass the renewable energy tax credit extensions soon. Besides a one-year extension of the production tax credit for wind and others, the solar industry gains several benefits: 8-year extension of commercial ITC, repeal of utility exemption, and removal of AMT exemption; 1-year extension of residential ITC, complete lifting of the $2,000 cap for residential PV projects, and removal of AMT exemption. It included all elements of the Cantwell-Ensign proposed bill, S. 2821.
 
Yesterday the House Ways and Means Committee reported out its version of a housing stimulus package.
 
There is still much work to be done  to focus on the House in an effort to garner the same level of support we saw from the Senate. The Hill press has reported that Senator Ensign has reached out to White House staff for early engagement and support in finding a path to pass an extension to the renewable energy tax credits. Both CNN Money and E&E News recognized the challenges faced in resolving elements of House and enate bills, particularly how to address House-proposed pay-for's over the next few weeks.

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