[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H6180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONSERVATION TAX INCENTIVES

  (Mr. Wittman of Virginia asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss one of 
the most pressing issues facing our country today, and that is high gas 
prices. Soaring energy and gas prices are burdening American families 
and American businesses. We can encourage greater energy efficiency and 
offer some relief to families and businesses by offering conservation 
tax incentives. And we should make home energy efficiency upgrades tax 
deductible.
  At a time when families are choosing between buying gas and buying 
food, we should make it easier for American families. Congress should 
provide incentives for home builders and homeowners to make their homes 
more energy efficient. Having more energy efficient homes will help 
families by leaving them with more money in their wallet to pay their 
bills. This is also good for the environment, and also reduces our 
dependence on foreign oil.
  In addition to helping families, we should also offer investment 
expensing for industrial and commercial building efficiency upgrades. 
Helping businesses afford to be more energy efficient will help 
businesses afford to keep their workers employed.
  Families cannot afford to wait any longer for relief at the pump. We 
need to start today to encourage greater energy efficiency by offering 
these tax incentives by helping families and businesses to save money 
and reduce their dependence on foreign oil.

                          ____________________