"We think it's a great way to create an energy alternative for homes, for farms and small businesses.",   Rep. J.C. Watts, Jr., July 3rd, 2001 Press Conference at Bergey Windpower Co. in Norman, OK

 

	On June 26th, Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Oklahoma's 4th District), the fourth ranking Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, and three other Congressmen (Watkins and Lucas of Oklahoma and Ehlers of Michigan) introduced HR 2322, the "Home and Farm Wind Systems Act of 2001".
	On December 12th, Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) introduced S. 1810, which contains the same provisions as HR 2322.
	HR 2322 and S. 1810 would provide a 30% federal tax credit for homeowners, farmers and businesses when they install small wind energy systems up to 75 kW. As proposed the tax credit would be available for installation occurring over the next ten years.
	Tax credits would increase sales, which would increase production volumes, which will bring down costs over time.
	While a few states offer incentives, the federal government has not offered tax credits for small wind systems since 1985.
	This program responds directly to the thousands of calls that Congressional offices received last winter as home heating bills sky-rocketed. It will help provide alternatives to soaring gas and electricity costs.
	A recent USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup poll showed that 91% of the public favors incentives for wind, solar, and fuel cells. But, while there are tax credits for very large commercial wind turbines (Production Tax Credit), there is currently no federal program to support small systems.
	Want to help enact HR 2322 and S. 1810 ?  You can do so by asking your Representative in Congress to co-sponsor HR 2322 and your Senators to co-sponsor S. 1810. Call their office or send them a short letter by mail (often delayed now due to new security measures) or fax (preferable). Don't know how to contact your representatives (or, even who they are?), click here.
	For a sample letter, click here for HTML (paste into any word processor) or here for Microsoft Word (click "cancel" if asked for an authorization).
	Here's an easier, but less effective, way to send a message:   The link in Step 4 will take you to a very helpful web site provided by Capitol Advantage.   1.  Under "Elected Officials" enter your ZIP code, press "GO".  This will display your political leaders, including your Representative   2.  Click on "e-mail" under your Representative - this will allow you to compose and send your message. The message can be as short as "Please co-sponsor HR 2322". Be sure to provide your name and address.   3. If you want to call your Representatives' office, or write a letter, click on "info"   4. Start the process by clicking here
	This is a real "Power to the People" deal and it won't become law unless Congress hears from thousands of individuals.  You and your neighbors can make a difference.
	For a press release on HR 2322 by the American Wind Energy Association, click here.
	For the complete text of HR 2322 or S. 1810, and their status (including a list of co-sponsors), click here.  Then enter "HR 2322" or "S. 1810" in the box at the top labeled "By Bill Number" and hit the "Search" button.