Clean Energy Tax Credits in the Balance
What’s new:
The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to mark up a budget reconciliation bill on Tuesday, May 13th. The final text is not yet public, but draft language could be released as early as this weekend.
A vote on the full reconciliation package could come before Memorial Day.
Key concerns:
The 45X tax credit may remain, but with a foreign entity of concern (FEOC) restriction so strict that it becomes unworkable.
25D (residential solar credit) remains uncertain. Fewer lawmakers have defended it compared to other credits.
48E and 48C (tech-neutral and manufacturing credits) may be phased out.
Counterpoint:
Rep. Andrew Garbarino is circulating a marker bill that would preserve many clean energy tax credits, including a more workable FEOC standard (based on ownership only) and no cuts to 25D or 45X.
Why it matters:
What seems safe could still be cut. We don’t know that’s going to stay in or be cut, but the Solar Energy Industries Association is urging solar businesses to contact lawmakers immediately to support 25D, 45X, and 48E and push back against overly restrictive FEOC language.
38 House Republicans call for full IRA repeal
What’s new:
A group of 38 House Republicans sent a letter urging full repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act as Congress goes through budget reconciliation.
They argue the IRA will cost $1 trillion and undermine “reliable” energy sources like coal and gas.
The letter warns against preserving any individual clean energy incentives, stating that doing so risks “preserving the entire IRA.”
Why it matters:
Even though some Republicans support specific credits like 45X, and others support the tech-neutral and residential credits, there’s still a push from the executive branch to eliminate the entire IRA.
Bipartisan bill aims to protect solar tax credits
What’s new:
Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced a bill to safeguard and expand the 45X tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act.
The “Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act” would increase incentives for domestic production of solar, wind, batteries, and critical minerals.
The bill also emphasizes workforce development and manufacturing job creation.
Why it matters:
More than 1,500 solar companies support preserving 45X. The credit is a cornerstone of domestic clean energy manufacturing policy and is under threat.
PJM, industry groups ask to dismiss a complaint
What’s new:
PJM and clean energy trade groups asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to dismiss a complaint seeking to overturn PJM’s last capacity auction.
The auction raised total costs in PJM’s region from $2.2 billion to $14.7 billion, increasing some customer bills by up to 20%.
Consumer advocates say the results may have been manipulated based on false projections. PJM and others argue that retroactive changes would harm investor confidence and violate the regulatory precedent that’s currently in place.
Why it matters:
The case highlights growing tension over the energy market’s volatility and grid reliability.
Farmers turn to solar for income and water savings
What’s new:
Farmers in California’s Central Valley are fallowing land and installing solar panels to reduce water use and pad their income.
A new study found solar generates $124,000 per hectare annually (25x more than crop farming).
Solar installations help run irrigation equipment, generate grid electricity, and support grazing and pollinator habitats.
Some crops, like leafy greens, are now being grown under the panels in cooler, shaded environments.
Why it matters:
Agrivoltaics offers financial and ecological benefits. This idea was pioneered by several farmers around the country, most notably Byron Kominek, who turned his land into Jack’s Solar Garden and created the Agrivoltaics learning center.
Ohio energy bill passes without community solar
What’s new:
Ohio passed House Bill 15, a sweeping energy reform package, but removed a proposed community solar pilot from the final version.
The program would have lowered energy bills and increased local energy choice.
Clean energy advocates criticized the removal but praised other aspects of the bill, including the repeal of coal subsidies and new support for energy storage.
Why it matters:
Despite bipartisan support and strong public backing, community solar was excluded from the final bill. Local advocates plan to keep pushing for future inclusion.
Today’s Sources:
Farmers are making bank harvesting a new crop: Solar energy
Community solar pilot program doesn’t make it into final Ohio energy bill
Bipartisan bill would shield climate law tax credit
38 House Republicans seek full repeal of IRA
PJM, others urge FERC to dismiss ratepayer advocates’ capacity auction complaint
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