The Senate has defeated a procedural (cloture) motion to begin debate on the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act (H.R. 6049) by a vote of 52 (Y) to 44 (N). The Senate defeated a similar motion last week by a vote of 50 (Y) to 44 (N), so supporters of the bill picked up two votes (Coleman and Collins). One of the “no” votes was cast by Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) so he could procedurally call up the bill again in the future.
Despite a slight increase in support, the motion still fell short of the necessary amount (60) for passage. Although some reports indicated optimism by Democratic leaders that today’s vote would pass, it was clear that Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY) was working hard to rally his caucus together in opposition to the bill.
Republican members will likely not agree to moving to the bill until they have guarantees that they can call up for a vote their alternative tax extenders bill or at least have the ability to offer it as a substitute amendment to the Democratic bill. Their version of the legislation would offer similar tax policy extensions and credits but would not include revenue raisers / tax increases to offset (or pay for) the bill.
The Candidate Vote: Senator McCain (R-AZ) did not vote. Senator Obama (D-IL) did not vote.
This is definately a blow for all solar energy companies. However the senate will have to move forward soon. There is to much emphasis on solar for them not to move quickly. The private sector grows increasingly aware of the need for solar energy daily.
sricketts@solarmecca.com