Topeka — Some senators want more study of a bill that encourages lower energy use by providing tax breaks to Kansans who make their homes and businesses more energy efficient.
Sens. Janis Lee, D-Kensington, and Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, said Monday that the Senate Utilities Committee should wait until its members know how much tax revenue would be lost before endorsing the bill.
"I think this is an incredible amount of tax credits," Lee said.
Under the bill, families could receive income tax credits of $250 for having their homes' energy efficiency tested and up to $2,000 for energy-saving work as installing insulation and sealing air ducts.
Businesses could receive up to $250,000 in credits for each building.
The proposal also creates income tax credits for installing electric generators powered by renewable resources, such as solar and wind power.
Three consultants on energy efficiency supported the bill last week and said that Kansas lags behind other states in its efforts to encourage conservation.
Although the committee discussed the bill's benefits, Lee said, it has no hard numbers on what the cut would cost in tax revenues.
"I would rather see us target tax dollars to low-income households, as opposed to targeting the rest of us, who can afford to do what we should do," Lee said.
The committee took no action on the bill Monday. Chairman Stan Clark, R-Oakley, said the committee would continue to discuss the bill, SB 299, on Wednesday.
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