Energy Policy Act of 2005

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was a statute that the U.S. Congress passed in July of 2005, and President Bush signed into law on the 8th of August, 2005. This bill was intended to provide tax relief and incentives for the procurement and usage of alternative energy technology. This energy act contained many provisions that should make a definite impact in the war against global warming and the fight to protect the environment. Some of the provisions are:

• Funding for low-income homes in an attempt to improve their energy efficiency
• Tax credits for owners of hybrid vehicles
• Giving geothermal energy the ability to be more competitive with other types of energy
• Subsidies for emerging types of alernative energy and for wind energy
• The banning of drilling in the Great Lakes region
• Extension of Daylight Savings Time in order to lower energy consumption by best utilizing the daytime hours
• Increased tax breaks for individuals who install energy efficient windows, appliances, etc.
• Provided tax credits for clean coal projects
• Expanding the Strategic Petroleum Reserves

As with any policy that is drafted and passed, it needs some time to bear fruit. The provisions in the bill do much to promote alternative energy, and to encourage the average American family to get involved. We can only hope that the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is the first of many bills to promote alternative energy and the protection of the environment.