Clean power advocates have criticised a reconciliation bill passed by the US Senate, claiming the legislation will drive up energy prices, stifle manufacturing growth and cost hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The American Clean Power Association said the package “is a step backward for American energy policy”.
“Undermining 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,” said ACP chief executive Jason Grumet.
He said while the final text avoids retroactive tax changes and a surprise hike targeting wind and solar, the twelve-month phase out of clean energy tax incentives is “very aggressive”.
“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,” said Grumet.
Oceantic Network also criticised the bill for failing to support domestic clean energy production and ceding global leadership to China.
“Limiting clean energy and manufacturing tax credits only compounds our national energy crisis, slowing development and ceding innovation leadership to China,” said chief executive Liz Burdock.
She added: “The Senate promised a course-correction but instead accepted a bill that still hampers needed energy generation, depresses job creation, and raises electricity prices.”
Both groups called on the House of Representatives to improve the legislation before final passage.
Oceantic said its members-representing engineers, welders, mariners and factory workers from 40 states-are “ready to power our country” if the policy environment is corrected.