WEBTAXCPA

California has always prided itself on being on the leading edge of innovation, at least in the computer technology sector. However, as a CPA who is duty-bound to serve the public and who feels the effects of the misdirection of government policy first-hand, i.e., on the client’s bottom line, it is beyond imagination as to why there are so few state initiatives to promote the implementation of solar and wind technology to widespread grid applications. There are practically no tax credits available right now for solar or wind in California, except if you consider a $1,500 rebate for a solar water heater and various incentives for those who meet certain low income tests as a matter of public policy as taxation is regarded.

Clearly, a much broader view of the economics of technology has to be taken by state leaders before development will take place. Frankly, the scenes of President Obama touring the solar plant in the East Bay city of Fremont was highly suspicious because of the union membership there. But then would-be governor and lieutenant governor Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom toured the same solar facility, which leaves one thinking whether there are more than just this one facility in the state that is engaged in alternative energy production. Or is it just this one solar plant that the politicians keep visiting over and over? Frankly, the moonbeam needs to come down to earth and enlighten us as to what exactly the plan is to return California to its innovative best, while simultaneously curing the plague of chronic unemployment. The way to do this is with alternative energy technology that is bursting onto the scene, especially now that the BP oil disaster has transpired and underscored the importance of this at this particular time when life and death are literally at stake.

One of these technologies is the production of ammonia at desalination plants which can be located alongside energy-generating wind turbines at sea. Where are the tax credits for the development of ammonia or wind turbines at sea? Certainly not in California, at least not now. It is literally breathtaking and heartbreaking to watch as Louisianans are so helplessly embedded with the old brick and mortar oil industry that they are calling on the administration to withdraw the offshore drilling moratorium. California has the opportunity to break out of the pack, say no to the oil lobby, and implement policies that develop alternative fuel industries.

Maybe what’s wrong with this picture is that it could change right now. Click on it to see what the web site at the California Energy Commission’s Solar and Wind Energy System Credits page says about tax credits for wind and solar: There are currently NO [underscored] California State Tax Credits or Deductions for solar or wind systems.

Soon, webtaxcpa will be linking over to a site that will help the entrepreneur, investor, and developer as well as the curious find alternative energy resources. We are committed to serving the public by promoting products and services that are on the leading edge of technology. As the political winds hopefully shift, and real change does come about in the form of tax policies in this field, we will bring them to you as soon as they are made available to us.

June 11th, 2010 | Category: webtaxcpa | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL