Defend clean energy tax credits for Iowans

I live in a town of fewer than 8,000 people, but one that punches above its weight when it comes to producing our own energy. One reason? Our utility, Alliant Energy, has some of the highest residential electricity rates in the state and throughout the Midwest. That’s why so many of us have turned to efficiency and solar — to control energy costs and keep more dollars circulating in our local economy.

In my own home, I’ve used the federal 25C tax credit to install insulation, replace leaky windows and install a cold-climate air-source heat pump and the 25D credit to install rooftop solar. These upgrades have helped cut my electric bills from over $120 to just $13 a month. That’s money I can now spend locally instead of sending it to a Wall Street-backed utility.

But this isn’t just about homeowners. At Luther College, where I worked for 28 years, energy upgrades made possible by similar tax credits have helped stabilize one of the school’s largest operating expenses. Local churches in our area are now using direct pay to do the same. Why pull the rug out from under them?

Unfortunately, the House just introduced a tax bill that would eliminate both the 25C and 25D credits, as well as the commercial versions used by schools and churches. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, has the chance to stop it. I urge him to defend these credits and keep our energy dollars working for Iowans.

Jim Martin-Schramm

Decorah