On Tuesday, Congressman David Wu (D-OR) and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack introduced H.R. 3660, the “Fuel Cell Tax Parity Act of 2009.”

If passed into law, Wu/Bono-Mack bill will align the residential and the business Investment Tax Credits for fuel cell technology.  Currently, the tax code allows for business owners to claim a 30% credit, capped at $3,000 per kW for the purchase of a fuel cell.  Single family homeowners can claim a similar incentive, capped at $1,000 kW.

The bill was introduced in part after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed by President Obama in February, removed the cap for residential installations of wind, solar and geothermal technologies.

A release from Congressman Wu noted: “As we try to ensure that America has clean and renewable sources of energy, we need to establish policies to help individuals install these technologies and support industries that are already ahead of the curve,” said Congressman Wu.  “This bill will ensure that families have the opportunity to access the same tax credits that commercial developers get for using renewable power.”

Bud Deflaviis from the US Fuel Cell Council was quoted - “They understand that if we’re serious about energy independence, security, and conservation, fuel cells must be part of the equation.  Small businesses and homeowners will benefit from fuel cells, as they provide users with reliable, base load power that is efficient and clean.”

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