U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), David Valadao (R-CA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) on May 8 proposed the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act, which aims to ramp up America’s energy independence and national security by terminating certain clean electricity tax credits.
The Republicans introduced H.R. 3291 to also provide clarity surrounding renewable energy projects and ensure the nation’s resources do not enrich adversarial nations. Rep. Kiggans sponsored the measure alongside four original cosponsors, including Reps. Valadao, Amodei, and Newhouse.
“The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act is a critical step toward aligning our clean energy priorities with today’s economic and national security realities,” Rep. Kiggans said. “By responsibly phasing out subsidies for technologies like wind and solar, and ensuring foreign adversaries like China and Russia can’t exploit American tax benefits, we are safeguarding both our energy independence and our taxpayers.”
If enacted, H.R. 3291 would phase out subsidies for renewable energy technologies like solar and wind, and disqualify companies tied to foreign adversaries from accessing these tax benefits. The bill also would preserve the practice of transferring tax credits, allowing banks and other third parties to do so.
Specifically, H.R. 3291 would extend the 45Y and 48E tax credit for solar and wind projects with a phase out in 2030; ensure safe harbor rules apply for 10 years on public lands and four years everywhere else — codifying rules already in effect; and restrict or disqualify companies created, organized, or owned by foreign entities of concern from claiming energy tax credits, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
“America’s path to energy independence must involve an all-of-the-above clean energy approach that puts American manufacturers at the center,” said Rep. Amodei. “By excluding foreign adversaries from tax benefits and prioritizing American innovation, we are one step closer to a more secure and self-reliant energy future.”
Rep. Valadao said that the proposed measure preserves the clean energy tax credits farmers and energy producers rely on, while phasing out long-term subsidies for technologies that can now stand on their own. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand domestic energy production and keep the door open for new technologies to grow and compete,” he said.
The United States has the opportunity to lead the world in clean energy production while lowering costs for consumers, added Rep. Newhouse.
“By phasing out tax incentives supporting wind and solar projects, Congress can provide long-term certainty to utilities and investors,” the congressman said. “This legislation provides critical protections to ensure federal investments are not being utilized by foreign adversaries, including Communist China.”
The Edison Electric Institute, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, and the American Clean Power Association endorsed H.R. 3291, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.