Thanks for the post.These are the small steps for big results.

Bonner

My 2 cents... (no pun intended) this too will pass... eventually.

Bonner - thanks for the comment. I've contacted my reps so much recently I think they will probably black list my email address! It is important we stay on top of them to remind them they are responsible to their constituents. It is unfortunate this did not pass. 

Hi Daniel - thanks for your .02! We currently can get a 30% credit for solar at the federal level capped at $2000 for residential, no caps on commercial. This is set to expire at the end of 2008. This bill would have extended that expiration another 2 years. Unfortunately, there are no tax credits for wind. The senate has not sent a very good message. I am hoping our folks in Lansing are wiser and will pass the policies they are working on so we can take advantage of this technology in Michigan. Compared to policies in California we are way behind the ball here. 

Mary, your link doesn't work.  I would love to see how my Blue Dog Democrat senator voted so I can call his office and either thank him or remind him he is treading on thin ice with the constituents that elected him.  I no longer have any faith in the congress or the senate to vote with our best interests in mind.  The congress not only handed bush the military spending bill he wanted but they added money to it, with no timeline for withdrawal from Iraq.

Mary,  I think that homeowners will be investing more in these systems even without the credit. Especially since gas prices jumped back above 3.00 today. (2.85 this morning)

BTW, why are the horizontal axis turbines less expensive than vertical axis? 

Terry & Gary - Thanks for the heads up. I think I have the link fixed now...go to "read about this vote" at the bottom of the page and find out who voted yea and who voted nea. Thank you!

Terry - so hard to know who or how to vote these days. Check out the map on the link -- crazy what is going on ... of course, it is an election year. thanks for your comments and the heads up!

Hi Gary - I would like to agree with you and know that the calls I have received mirror your thoughts. I talked with a gentleman today who spends about $500/mo on fuel oil. Sickening.

Horizontal vs vertical prices -- I would have to check into it. The tower is a large part of the cost but in many applications the height of the tower is critical. A taller tower will pick up the higher level winds, especially if there are obstructions at the lower levels. Mike Holcolm has shared with me some pretty cool technology being brought to Michigan in generators mounted to roof tops rather than on towers. They will be helpful in residential applications with set back laws and height restrictions...a future blog

Thanks Mary.  My Blue Dog Democrat senator Bill Nelson voted in favor.  My republican loser senator Mel Martinez of course voted against.  OMG he should actually use his own brain for a change.  I sent my thank you to Nelson and my shame on you to Martinez.  Thanks for the heads up.

You are welcome Terry. Isn't it interesting to see what actually happens? Thank you for getting your correspondence to them!

I think. if I am not mistaken, that they are going to take out one part of the bill that the republicans didn't like and that it will then pass and the president has agreed to sign it.  Is that the same bill?

Hi Diane - yes, I believe it is the same. I think there was more than one amendment taken out but I did hear that the Prez signed it today. There are some good things in the bill...we also lost some good things. To me it seems way too weighted towards the auto companies and oil companies and doesn't offer the consumers the benefits it should. Thanks for the comment!

Hi Mary - that certainly is bad news.  But, if what Diane said is true, then there's still a chance. I also agree with Gary; people are becoming more energy conscious and will continue to invest, regardless.  The incentives certainly help, though.

Mary- Well, Gee, I wonder why! The oil industry wins another round and they will until they figure out a way to own the wind and the sun. Katerina

My guys voted for it.  We KNOW the value of wind power as opposed to fossil fuels over here where it's so very expensive already.

Wow, what a bummer, that's unfortunate really, oh politics, does anyone know why there was so much opposition for it? And when will they try again? - Lance

Hi Lance. I understand there is a 30% personal tax credit, up to $4000 for wind in the farm bill. I found this news great!

Thanks for the post and the update on this, Mary. Like all things, this will have to be consumer driven. When Congress gets it that the public is embracing this, they will endorse it. Methinks they are followers, not leaders.

Mary...I'm ashamed to say mine voted against it.I edited the chiding letter...a bit strongly...referring to the fact that we are spending around$600/month to heat our NH homes.

The tide is changing and I also reminded them that re-elections aren't always a sure thing!