Despite overwhelming bipartisan support for Senator John Ensign’s renewable energy amendment, Democrats today blocked his amendment from any consideration.  Ensign’s amendment would encourage the development of solar, wind and other alternative energies, all broadly supported policies that are key components to reducing America's reliance on Middle Eastern oil.

“These critical tax incentives need to be extended if we want to encourage more clean, renewable energy in this country,” said Ensign. “Unfortunately, I have been blocked out and we have missed a unique opportunity to send these incentives to the President’s desk.  If we continue to drag our feet we could find ourselves looking back on a renewable energy potential that was never met.

In April, the Senate voted 88 – 8 in support of adding this renewable energy amendment, authored by Ensign and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), to the Housing bill.  Despite this overwhelming bipartisan vote, House Democrats pulled the provision out of the bill.  Democrats object because Ensign’s amendment is not “paid for” with tax increases.  Earlier this week Ensign offered a compromise that was fully “paid for” with spending reductions, but even that was not accepted.

“It’s disappointing that even when we find common ground Congress still fails the American people who understand the urgent need for more green energy,” said Ensign. “Renewable energy has overwhelming support on Capitol Hill, yet we cannot even compromise to achieve this common goal.”

“As we move forward, I will continue to look at every available option to extend these tax incentives before it is too late,” said Ensign. “Harnessing the sun’s power, the wind’s energy and geothermal resources can help end our addiction to oil, but we need to act soon to ensure that these projects are built.”

According to recent estimates, Ensign’s renewable energy amendment would help create 116,000 jobs and result in $20 billion in economic investment.