Heinrich Calls on Senate to Reinstate the Solar Tax Credit

Albuquerque, NM – Martin Heinrich, Democratic candidate for New Mexico's 1st congressional seat, called on the Senate today to reinstate the solar tax credit which has boosted New Mexico's innovative solar energy industry and reduced global warming pollution. While the US House included the solar tax credit in the pending energy bill, its fate is uncertain in the US Senate.

"America should be leading the world in developing technologies that will make our country energy independent and end the climate crisis," Heinrich said. "That's why I'm frustrated by the failure of leadership in Washington. Right now, lobbyists for the world's largest oil corporations are threatening to eliminate the solar energy tax credit that has spurred innovative businesses here in New Mexico, such as 310 Solar. These new businesses are the key to New Mexico's and America's future – our jobs, our environment and our way of life."

According to Patrick Griebel of 310 Solar, "The solar tax credit has created a renaissance of innovation and entrepreneurship here in New Mexico. New solar ventures are popping up around the state and creating high wage green collar jobs. Killing this policy will be terrible for New Mexico's economy."

"We can no longer allow our energy policy to be written solely for Big Oil," Heinrich said. "New Mexico is poised to lead the nation in the development of clean solar energy. Our leaders in Washington should not stand in the way of better technologies which create jobs and move us towards energy independence. We should be expanding, not eliminating, solar energy tax credits."