A bill making similar modifications to BETC, widely considered the most lucrative renewable energy incentive programme in the US, was vetoed by Kulongoski last summer.
But the issue came to a head last fall after The Oregonian newspaper exposed a variety of abuses and runaway costs projected to reach more than $160 million in the current biennium (Windpower Monthly, December 2009).
Kulongoski now supports stringent cost caps and other accountability measures, along with project prioritisation and phasing out the incentives over five years.
At least one key issue remains – whether the new bill will make reforms retroactive beyond the currently proposed date of July 1, 2009.
Meanwhile, the state reports a surge in BETC applications as the changes have appeared increasingly imminent. The BETC deal, offers credits to those who invest in energy conservation, recycling, renewable energy resources and less-polluting transportation fuels.
.JPG)
