Gov. Ted Kulongoski, D-Ore., has issued a possible intent to veto relating to a pair of state House bills, which, if passed, would be detrimental to Oregon's renewable energy efforts.
H.B.2472, known as the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), ensures that Oregon will continue to grow its renewable energy business sector. A rollback in these tax credits, wind proponents argue, would hurt Oregon's development efforts.
The governor is also considering a veto of H.B.2940 because of concerns over undercutting the original intent of Oregon's renewable portfolio standard of 25% by 2025 and the impact on the development of new renewable energy projects.
This notice does not necessarily mean that the governor will veto the bills. According to a spokesperson for the governor, the intent-to-veto filing gives Kulongoski until Aug. 10 to formally act on the bills. The spokesperson also commented that the governor, long a renewable energy advocate, indicated that a veto of both House bills is likely.
SOURCE: Office of Gov. Ted Kulongoski
