Renew Virginia program faring better in Senate

By: | Times-Dispatch
Published: February 15, 2009

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's Renew Virginia program includes proposals to support green jobs and industries.

The governor says Virginia can create tens of thousands of green jobs by 2025.

So far, his program is faring better in the state Senate than in the House of Delegates. Among Kaine's plans are bills in the General Assembly that would:

Create a fund to extend grants to manufacturers of equipment for such energy sources as wind and nuclear power. The grants would be provided only after the businesses are running, paying taxes and providing new jobs. Under the plan, the state eventually would recoup the money spent on the grants, which could not total more than $36 million at any time. Status: Senate Bill 1215 passed the state Senate. A companion bill, House Bill 2235, died in a House committee.

Create an income-tax credit for those who install green-energy systems, such as solar power. The credit could total $8,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a business. The cost of the credits would be capped for the state at $1 million a year for individuals and $1 million a year for businesses. Status: Senate Bill 1141 passed the Senate. House Bill 2094 died in a House committee.

Make purchases of home energy systems, such as solar panels and small windmills, exempt from the 5 percent sales tax. Status: Senate Bill 1216 passed the state Senate. House Bill 2562 died in a House committee.

Provide financial incentives for power companies to work with consumers to reduce electricity demand. Status: Senate Bill 1248 passed the Senate. House Bill 2176 was folded into House Bill 2506, which passed the House and is before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

Require that local-government buildings be built to green, energy-efficient standards. Status: Senate Bill 1252 passed the Senate. House Bill 2387 died in a House committee.

Through an executive order, Kaine already has required that state buildings be built to the green standards. The legislation would expand on that.

Kaine is expected to make other executive orders later this year. -- Rex Springston