Obama has set an aggressive, but much needed goal, to double the production of altenative energy in the United States, within three years. The plan involves modernization of 75% of government buildings, as well as improvin the energy efficiency of two million American homes. If Obama and his administration is able to follow through on these goals, and puts appropriate amounts of money toward tax incentives, rebates, and funding of projects, thousands of jobs will be created, giving a much needed boost to our economy. It is time for the United States to take the lead on promoting renewable energy, for the sake of the environment, as well as the recovery of our economy.
By BARBARA HENRY – Staff Writer, North County Times
ENCINITAS —- Shifting to solar power can be a costly proposition, but the city of Encinitas is considering a way to make those start-up costs less onerous.
Under a proposal that the City Council asked staff to review earlier this month, homeowners could pay off new solar installation expenses through 20-year loans. The loans would appear on their yearly property tax bills.
“The beauty is in the simplicity,” local solar company owner Marty Reed said in a telephone interview.
Reed, who is helping the city put together the program, said the loan option is available thanks to the passage in June of Assembly Bill 811. That legislation allows cities to create private financing agreements if those programs encourage the installation of solar panels and other energy-saving equipment. More…
On December 10th, the Solana Beach City Council adopted a resolution that would require all government funded building projects to meet certain minimum “green” standards, as laid our by the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Despite some objections to the resolution based on concerns about unknown costs, the council collectively chose to accept it, acknowledging the need for leadership in the cause of sustainable building, and the long term savings associated with using renewable energy and green practices. No doubt solar water heating and photovoltaic will be included in these minimum requirements!
Obama has set an aggressive, but much needed goal, to double the production of altenative energy in the United States, within three years. The plan involves modernization of 75% of government buildings, as well as improvin the energy efficiency of two million American homes. If Obama and his administration is able to follow through on these goals, and puts appropriate amounts of money toward tax incentives, rebates, and funding of projects, thousands of jobs will be created, giving a much needed boost to our economy. It is time for the United States to take the lead on promoting renewable energy, for the sake of the environment, as well as the recovery of our economy.
ENCINITAS —- Shifting to solar power can be a costly proposition, but the city of Encinitas is considering a way to make those start-up costs less onerous.