Could Idaho Clean Energy Suffer Under Reconciliation?

Congress is considering eliminating clean energy tax credits in its budget reconciliation bill.  A recent assessment by the non-partisan Energy Innovation claims the move could cost Idaho 7,900 jobs and increase energy bills by $420 statewide by 2035.  Ryan McGoldrick with Conservation Voters for Idaho says that would only add to the financial woes Idahoans are already experiencing.

"It's becoming increasingly unaffordable for Idahoans to stay and live in the state, and the clean energy tax credits is one of those clear ways that we can make an investment to keep our rates from skyrocketing," he said.  "So, we hope to see that those get protected."

McGoldrick added renewable energy is important to Idaho's energy landscape.

"We don't have coal, we don't have natural gas, we don't have oil. We do have the opportunities for clean energy and renewable energy, and if we care about energy independence and we care about creating jobs in Idaho, it's going to need to be in clean energy."

The other side says clean energy tax credits say they're too expensive and give an unfair advantage to renewable energy.  The House proposal has faced resistance in the Senate, including from Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who said there should be a longer runway for the credits before they're eliminated.

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