As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Coons has been leading the fight for solutions to promote clean, affordable energy technologies. His analysis of President Obama’s budget proposal included a close review of clean energy programs.
The budget request for clean energy and environmental programs is on track with last year’s request, although it includes notable increases for certain energy and advanced manufacturing programs. The blueprint also highlights the need for Congress to extend clean energy tax incentives, something Chris strongly supports.
Clean energy programs are divided among several agencies, including:
Department of Energy Programs
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy programs receive a request for $2.3 billion, an increase of $527 million from FY12. Notable increases include biomass R&D, wind (including offshore wind), vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and buildings programs.
- The request triples funding for groundbreaking research in the transportation sector, which helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The focus will be on sustainable biofuels, vehicle electrification, and manufacturing advancements.
- The budget requests $6 billion for the HOME STAR program, an initiative at the Department of Energy designed to create jobs in existing industries by providing short-term incentives for energy efficiency improvements in residential buildings.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Energy Programs
- The budget proposes $6.1 billion in loans to rural electric cooperatives and utilities for clean-energy generation, transmission, and distribution sites in rural communities.
- The budget also proposes $19 million for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and over $200 million for the development of advanced biofuels.
Department of the Interior Energy Programs
- The budget proposal includes $86 million for permitting new renewable energy projects on federal lands and waters, with the goal of permitting 11,000 megawatts on DOI-managed areas by the end of 2013.
Energy Tax Extenders
- The budget request supports the extension of the 1603 Treasury grant program and the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind power.
- The administration also proposes spending $5 million to extend the 48c manufacturing tax credit which expired in December 2010.
- The budget includes tax credits mirrored Senator Coons’ Job Creation Through Innovation Act
- The budget seeks to eliminate $4 million in fossil fuel subsidies, mostly from oil and gas companies.