Candidate for Governor Mike Protack was at Flexera in Millsboro this past week and discussed his energy plan. You can listen to the audio of the interview here.

Here is the outline of his proposals below:

                                                Proposals

1. Redirect a portion (min 5%) of the state share of real estate transfer tax to homebuyers to use towards the purchase of renewable energy technology for homes, farms and businesses.

2. Allow the use of the redirected transfer tax and the money within the Green energy fund at the same time to make the purchase of this valuable technology more economically viable.

3. Make the cost (up to $200) of a certified energy audit tax deductible for all property owners.

4. Allow the purchase of smaller energy savings devices (like the combination ceiling fan/heater or LEDs units) to qualify as a tax deduction for those who do not desire to purchase a larger system.

5. Provide home builders with tax incentives/impact fee reductions to construct homes consistent with “Green” Home building standards according to the National Association for Homebuilders/Green Energy Standards or the Energy Star standards.

6. Provide a “stretched out” repayment period (joint state/SEU and utility) for dollars spent on renewable energy home systems. This incentive would cover the initial outlay amounts not covered by the Green Energy Fund or any other credits/deductions.

7. Provide existing homeowners with rebates for upgrading major plant systems like air conditioners and heating systems based on SEER or AFUE increases. Also, provide 20% rebates to homeowners who upgrade major appliances like ranges or refrigerators if they purchase Energy Star Label Products and donate the pre-existing appliances for redistribution to needy households.

8. Redirect the Delaware Office of Economic Development to pro-actively encourage sustainable energy and environmental technology firms to locate in the First State in order to protect our environment and advance our prosperity with cutting-edge research and applications.

“These proposals in some cases exist within the Sustainable Energy Utility and Green Energy funds and in some cases use tax deductions and credits to speed up the eventual and necessary transition to renewable energy. Ultimately, any tax system is only as good as its ability to promote savings, growth and investment in Delaware’s energy future is a laudable and necessary goal. In the end, we will use common sense and solid financial incentives to bring Renewable Energy Options to 20% of all Delaware homes, farms and small businesses in order to reduce their combined energy usage by 20% by 2020.

I heard on one of the talk shows someone call in and say, “Who cares about 2020. Let’s worry about right now.” I am sure to a certain degree, people do care about how life will be in the future and how it will impact their children and grandchildren. They should care, anyway.

 

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