Thompson introduces energy legislation

Eureka Times Standard

North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson recently introduced legislation he hopes will reduce the nation's energy consumption.

Thompson's bill, House Resolution 3918, would provide a 30 percent tax credit for the purchase of thermal energy storage systems for homes and businesses. The energy storage technology allows consumers to purchase electricity during off-peak hours and save it to use during peak usage periods, which would reduce consumers' electricity bills and greatly enhance the reliability of alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power.

"Investing in new technology such as thermal energy storage will help create new jobs and save people money on their electricity bills," Thompson said in a press release. "Distributed energy storage technologies are also a great way for our country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels. Just as important, the jobs created by the manufacture and installation of these new technologies would come at a critical time for the U.S. economy."

Thompson continued to say the federal tax incentives would enable the country to take further steps toward achieving energy security and slowing global warming, while advancing the creation of a smart grid energy infrastructure.

The bill will first be assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.