While the idea of reducing unneeded or wasteful programs in the interest of growing the economy has obvious value, there are important federal programs that should be protected. One such program is the Clean Energy Tax Credit passed in 2022, that has been providing strong economic benefit to communities nationwide. Please join me in urging Rep. Cliff Bentz to call for these tax credits to be maintained.

The clean energy tax credits help fund renewable energy projects in Eastern Oregon that allow our own communities to take important steps toward energy independence. In Bentz’s 2nd Congressional District alone, there are at least 19 new projects that have been approved and several more waiting for approval. Construction and operation of these projects will result in substantial injections of money into Eastern Oregon communities and thousands of new jobs created. To find out more about renewable energy projects in Oregon, go to www.oregon.gov/energy/facilities.

Twenty-one Republican representatives wrote a letter to the speaker of the House opposing the repeal of these credits, noting the large economic stimulus of clean energy projects in their districts. I am hoping Rep. Bentz will follow their lead.

Kay Firor

Cove