Citizenre Blog

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Howdy Folks,

There has been some questions that came about from the Title of this website containing "Citizenre" by one of my fellow Ecopreneurs.

Citizenre is a branded name and we are explicitely told not to use the name Citizenre without prior permission from corporate. I did not create this site... it was created by another fellow that will get paid if anyone clicks on ads posted. I recieve no commissions nor am I in any way affiliated with any of the ads.

Since this subject has come up I will not be posting here any longer until matters are settled.

I am very thankful for the communication I was able to leave here and hope to someday return... but for now.... this is all!

Peace,

Frank Knight

Disclaimer: These are my own words and not to be considered to be coming from Corporate Citizenre.

I hope your Holidays are Joyous!

Energy Bill failed then stripped and passed

Wow! They killed the bill yesterday then Sen. Reid supplied a stripped down version that was passed!
What did he strip?
The renewable energy parts!
The part about making utilities produce a certain percentage of renewable energy by a certain year definitely put a halt to it!
The big bummer is that along with the utility deal it included the tax credits for home-owners!
The solar and wind industries have been gaining a lot of momentum in the last few years because of the tax credits. Now the solar and wind industries may suffer!
It just doesn't make sense to me!
On a positive note the fuel efficiency standards of 35 mpg for passenger cars was still included on the stripped down bill.
let's all hope that the renewables will be attached to another bill in the future.
Peace,
Frank Knight
www.frankknights.com
Disclaimer: These are my own personal words and interests  not that of Corporate Citizenre

We need one more vote by tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big Day! Lets get on the phone early morning and be heard! Thanks, Frank Knight Wed Dec 12, 2007 at 12:20:05 PM PST Rumors are flying that the 2007 Energy Bill will be voted on tomorrow. 59 Senators favor it, meaning we are ONE VOTE away from passing it stopping the GOP filibuster of it. The GOP strategy this year has been clear: Put every possible obstruction in the path of Democratic legislation. When nothing gets done, blame it all on the leadership. Say it enough times until everyone starts to echo it, including the press. And then have the chutzpah to say that the American people are fed up with confrontational politics. We are ONE VOTE away from ending this. We are ONE VOTE away from giving a huge helping hand to the infant solar and wind industries. We are ONE VOTE away from joining with the rest of the world in finally doing something about Global Warming. This Bill has been considerably weakened from even the version passed by the House. The requirement that utilities get 15% of their energy from renewable sources has been dropped. But though much is taken, much remains: *Drastic reduction or elimination of subsidies for oil companies beloved by free-market Republicans. *They will be replaced with expanded, long-lasting solar subsidies. These will be long-lasting-- 8 years for commercial, 6 for residential. (This is crucial.. the number one problem with our current policies is that they are short-term, which discourages investment because businesses can't plan for the long-term.) They will be 30%, and the current $2k to $4k cap will be gone. *Extends for two years existing subsidies for wind, biomass, geothermal, small irrigation hydro,landfill gas, trash combustion facilities. Adds subsidies for tidal. *Tax credits of $3000 to $5000 for plugin hybrids, credits for converting hybrids to plug-in hybrids. Small subsidies for bicycle commuting. *Subsidies for energy efficiency (for homes, businesses, appliances) Its not a perfect bill.. but its a lot better than the Energy Bill of 2005. One solar lobbyist said frankly, this is by far the biggest most important solar bill ever introduced in congress, and is critical to developing a solar future. Couldn’t come at a more important time in terms of the development of the solar industry. We need to do everything we can to spur the renewables industries. And we need to do it NOW. This bill is a small but necessary downpayment.. we need to do it now, not in two years after the next election, not after the arctic ice disappears. The contrast between Republicans and the rest of the world could not be more stark. This week, Britain announced plans to generate half its electricity from offshore wind. Yesterday, Germany announcedthat all new homes built after 1/1/09 will be required to use renewable energy sources to meet 14% of a household's total energy consumption for heating and domestic hot water. The Democrats have been pushing for stronger energy legislation. Republicans stand in the way of progress. Target the GOP I don't know which have flipped. But the following have not. We need one of them. Bob Corker (R-TN) 202 224-3344 John Ensign (R-NV) 202 224-6244 Judd Gregg (R-NH) 202 224-3324 Mel Martinez (R-FL) 202 224-3041 John Sununu (R-NH) 202 224-2841 Hatch (R-UT) (202) 224-5251 Bennet (R-UT) (202) 224-5444 But feel free to call any GOP Senator. If none of these are from your state, you might try a tack I did in 2006. I called up two Senators in nearby states who were facing tough reelection battles. I told the staff member the following, (all of which is true.) I'm not a constituent, so I can't vote for your boss. But there are no close races where I live this year, so I'm trying to decide how to spend my campaign-volunteering time. In the past, I've volunteered in your state. By the way, the Senator's vote on this Bill will heavily influence my decision whether to visit your state for the next election. You're probably in a better position than me to judge how many votes a day of knocking on doors will swing... but I suspect its more than 1. Oh.. sometimes when I campaign in other states, I bring friends. My friends are more excited than ever about the next election If you want to do something about climate change, then call. If you want America to rejoin the community of nations doing something about climate change, then call. If you want to foil the GOP strategy of preventing the Dems from accomplishing anything, then call. If you want to do something about energy security, then call. If you want to put subsidized solar panels on your house, call. DailyKos tries to influence politics on several time-scales: short-term (massive grass-roots pressure on legislation), medium-term (elections) and long-term (building a movement). The three are fully compatible; we can work at any one of these without hurting the cause of the other. This situation is ideally suited for us to have short-term influence. A critical Bill, resting on the knife's edge, and yet attracting relatively little publicity. Let's do what we can to help the Dems to victory on this one.

Sharing the latest from Corporate Citizenre on the energy bill!

Here is an update from Erika:

Good morning, all,

Here is Vote Solar's review of yesterday's Senate Energy Bill vote. The next strategy is to attach the solar provisions to another, widely supported piece of energy legislation, to ensure passage. Then negotiate with the House again over any differences. Clearly, this is going to be "sausage-making" at its best.

Our job: stay the course. Make sure the Senators and Reps know that we are still watching, and that we want the strongest possible solar package. The changes in priorities that America has sought for many years simply MUST happen. You know all the reasons why; we can keep repeating them as long as necessary.

We also know that this is NOT a partisan issue. Ensuring future economic strength is not partisan; the health of our families, cities, towns and planet are things we all want, both parties. This is a debate about how best to ensure these things -- and we believe that the future is best served by clean energy and new industries.

Not all Republicans are "anti-solar". The five Republican Senators who voted FOR the Energy Bill included Maine's senators Snowe and Collins. They understand these issues very well, and are trying to find 'win-win' -- support for renewables that their R colleagues WILL support. (Collins faces a tough reelection fight next year. They both know that Maine won't stay in the R column much longer if issues like this don't go the right way.)

Please tell all Ecos to keep calling and generating calls from their lists/ families, contacts, etc. The outcry generated over the last two weeks has clearly made a huge difference. If that ends now, the negotiating ahead will suffer.

For those of you making or watching over direct calls to Congressional staffers, the next steps vary.

IF Energy staffers HAVE NOT been reached, please continue to try. We want to connect with these folks in as many states as possible. "Reaching them" means that you have the name of the energy staffer and have left a message for that person at least; better yet, you/an Eco has had a substantive conversation with that person.

When you reach the right person, make the following points:

* Stable long-term solar policy and incentives are critical to maintain the industry's growth; start-stop incentives hamstring the growth of companies like ours.
* Solar has huge bipartisan support. Please don't let partisan politics impede the will of the people. (Vote Solar's summary of the poll results www.votesolar.org/polls.html support this)

IF you HAVE made a staff connection already, sit tight, no need to call again right away. We will want to call again to support whatever comes out of this weekend's negotiations. By then, we'll know precisely how to describe what we want them to do.

Finally, please DO report any conversations with Congressional energy staffers. So far I have reports (and identified energy staffers) on 9 states. This is good however I suspect that there are other states where calls have been made but not reported. Here's the Form again: http://www.houseofsolar.com/action/

Thanks once more for all your help. Huge progress was made with the House vote. But the battle isn't over yet. Please know that the troops on the side of clean energy are stronger, and the future looks brighter, with every call you make. My best wishes,

Erika Morgan, SVP Communications
Citizenre Corporation

911 ALERT on the Energy Bill!!!

Energy Bill Passes the House!
- Please Call Your Senator Today -

This is the moment of truth. The time for action is right now.

Thanks to solar energy supporters like you, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed the Energy Independence Act of 2007 yesterday by a vote of 235 to 181.

This is one of the most important pieces of energy legislation ever - extending
solar tax incentives, increasing fuel efficiency standards, and creating a
15% federal renewable energy portfolio standard by 2020. Now it heads to the
Senate for a vote expected later today or tomorrow.

Time is short. Your help is urgently needed to get this bill passed in the Senate.
1) Contact your U.S. Senators today and urge them to pass the Energy Bill
to help promote energy independence. Also, ask them to rally their colleagues
to support this vital piece of legislation -- especially these key colleagues below.

Simply click the Senator's name to find the phone number. Other numbers are at:
www.vote-smart.org

* Arizona - John McCain <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe3W_i3rduQPrOTXtLksNERMwldUVn9XIR6D_0FjiRT8Yno4H3QqRBsiDW9mha0b1qQQ9SM-QQjsvPyaZSthLjg3MwKwUdlM7h0Kb6r7YrM86HuX8mbXeJfua9LzqZc8wSJBdI1kyxZbaQ==> & Jon Kyl <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe3rs1aZMoN08YIL3dbjAKxaN3bxgjulT8iR33zlsMXaZ6xnvvlBfyG07M21F5wA8a0Jlg92WI6lgcUWGTUlwyBuM6WV0yKTG22khifgZLi3uwOkcxbmxWU3v2cTX5RKHxT9vCtRCWvsBA==>

* Colorado - Wayne Allard <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe0SdGsFqp3_GAc0dZIMbUElIEmsUFZK5CHq7ummsNzcyzEomBf2xXUyBNCPlkicvQDuFMVZcLxdzJYGs0Wt7ZB7Zz9-Hxbcm5PsH08rlov4QRTAKYn9rk-IiyhvMg4-6bty5pimRZ8EsA==>

* Florida - Mel Martinez <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1IU3sbE9kSW6jAG5LNGRY1zl191Ek-uOAHN5mrGWAxwPYcWU_4ByXdL-hVs8mDf2RejW1mqwqb4Dtx9NIf6aoa_lbovuha33gaK8UfKT6zb3Aqil_6LWvPj_fOt_ofWtBFdwc00AlDZw==>

* Idaho - Larry Craig <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe2DthS7H7zKo0yIXvc1TYIHHKDkcwcFoIDqAxV_RUmT8hHqGE9eixevUvGhlHtyF2wrBDvTWjkj1cUaLsE5gzJ81B0eMrfX8GxRbD3BpH8rHMIMupdN4-RB3NDVDelNUcyDsmsmd5xuyA==> & Mike Crapo <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1pNv5IMWR8Gr8UuAleB5Pv3todGnnPP686N3BXKWZA8KRtDmdTLLg_d-GTWaVn3Piy-t_PatEyo4mgGMTgYXHC63jINSyDOOOzEwMfPoi5e0l8wlgl8vT55gzEBKvKzYy40YczuyE68A==>

* Indiana - Dick Lugar <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe3O4qccb4hcqxV73Hs2w3_Wk3R62WvoBVtbmoIzJf19C3Vb0CiBBi49f7-4_yiRAGCqnccxQjUw8TJbV02odW9xb62jcuqgVGim1zZM3yxZoeNtS58A4igTKYPnBxD6oTwGf21uhEIM8w==>

* Maine - Susan Collins <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe2n_WNutmoORGvHTPGqS9syxWaphHfND6m8EwJlidlOSRsqoNv1WnPG-7VKzB_GvyyysMRzKtcOHspabDATz32loYG8gv7CZO31PJxVtVhQGitaUJrrdYQAEJehq5ALIpMbocuoy5Z71Q==> & Olympia Snowe <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1mUh62RFBtorf86as_Y8XeRNsmkle9SmanYipQ3hxdjn2vW8Ghsdfc_IrQ77wdTHux5es5Rem2kriMCPXnL4J4K5goSjOh7yxQO1Q_6XIwcRQgEm586xxkiI1wumb0pakUkaSWhiG9Sg==>

* Mississippi - Thad Cochran <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe0XUFPU3-bFM_03R8nSAVVNL3hVLHSA_zxfumZ45naN1vJAKm70V6i7iy__J5r4aAqVbRH4yrLTflwMaE3gy-zb969MLeSLJuEdU_Va_BrWp3UfCtrAQ9VBHBtiDjGUSAF9O87OrUOS3Q==>

* Nevada - John Ensign <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1u4gu-EDyR3vLZxK0Mh8J2R5-63q7zwA4psxrCxFZeMb3vTJ00Bm-g4tL91-2wdcSN1q0gmFctgOIQWM3Sdx_PQSc-nwKKtueIY-fuY9jP02a7sDv_TcvEwt5i9ZPxzQJR-UcA_FBSww==>

* New Hampshire - John Sununu <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1jIJNabeTCIh6CWF4qmPcbQR8XK6u5fQ2jqvYLEvBJsDtj32ol5JmWDStxwk3cTFkB_2gh6Jic9WXTZVLkHBAgpw2LzHS2f1lBnsWUjW81fQU_IpeEowizp-R0PeBze2OL67GEFKQDMA==> & Judd Gregg <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe0f4sbsdRspx8H1h8EDEikLib1sA5a-SAtaDB0dvpSfy6VESgkIEt8--m248UYd5r47SzXdFePfU3hwWDJXejLcM-QiCkI-qXEs4JY0BCcFuc6_xeaZXG_7aRl2_YzNFB5IGemzLP2ixQ==>

* Oregon - Gordon Smith <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe2MppIGLMLzwBKbYcDTkYjE7Lme1SYTqagAhio7zF5F5z6IvonmMXp7_BRqGVY__TQuRtFZtM1qB8F07cBbmRQ8umD48JS7TVpGFx57vaNEZ4FH1DB240qQn3BQNia2W-VIrMrv_zSAwQ==>

* Pennsylvania - Arlen Specter <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1g42SbUbqAL4IcJh93sJgZVSqb4JwPt8wG4u8eX9O_cPbuGMekQp89HGmND2AyW0iwx_dHZljFdO1GaRgF_djHM6R5oVWlL_AxFCjd2l61qhZYBOuPANV8VBl8MIy_YnSZCzfxIikHuA==>

* South Dakota - John Thune <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1Ta7tZZbnBgl317zgI0uzhnJEF0Avr93_HQGalEDsDiclUYRDr6QJ77TsAFHodPK-Q9oIs1d1HijLehlIXzlpqKkMpjpgsW0taGvuMD9tGmCYeO_UVW9ZLDyGFfSU6E5-msMJZr8XYeg==>

* Tennessee - Lamar Alexander <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1FC_r4CrhINK3fZruNmF2uVCWu9dg2uVSE_F5efACZB6chffsFiX_6M5EgcRt_J25h65AMADCTCbYdWlj--AycdDf0JWhWSm_LqKT4_7VpGejgUK00Gdevk-7HjijmKbNy-Z-iF_ybZw==> & Bob Corker <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1z7KnqMnqeyV0fZNAWLkxC1g5QIFTcLC6SxbeDCnjtj_BDJPv4VqRDXJOCzIoG1lnRsBhAi_PZTiPJRuuEkSM8VOisZ6bBstXZMbODvtNuv4Fg7O1gWF3nSrWw7mfTVYUtJn_V9EfTMg==>

* Utah - Orrin Hatch <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe0Gqn9A0KSfqAz_sU5HGmeeHL8wJUVmOj1E-mnlQ_6hjy9WICvrv4Ab7JyoEa3-B8O30Icd81czzePtuOSSBcGHGhRBv1rtz2EmsUybFHpiTLk26DWRzDiEWplnjGHDM6bBe1cCmP1arA==> & Bob Bennett <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe2CQJfVrm8l_nbOyEbYj45TGAltzvrZtbEcTpHrnEMotmXD_PWxzvMLqcrTtoABTJuBayETxARDBtrwjz0JR1Sq0xjG5Lwq7sAxm9RFS67WLU0NKZyN_TPjeDnY_qxuPG5wNDnI5kBN2w==>

* Virginia - John Warner <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00111R9OtRbJe1rLi5xxpDTkMYG3TpaJggtzq9OSyMbsNGI99ldkaU_wSpOlf-YBx-m5bNwEp9QnZA9m-6WXaATxb1hvODyUnGvaaKwM9YArP3y4LSu-sNosy79Chbr-mZzpWbnVNNMGHrymrF2ZR_3mw==>



2) Forward this email to friends and family, especially to those who live in the
states listed above, to encourage them to also contact their Senator today.

3) If you're a blogger, please also spread the word online.

Together, we can extend powerful solar incentives, improve fuel efficiency,
and ensure 15% of U.S. electricity comes from renewable sources of energy
like solar and wind by 2020.

Remember, the Senate vote is expected to take place today or tomorrow
so please take action right now. Your phone call, your support could make all
the difference.

We thank you for your continued support.

With sincere thanks,
Brad

Brad Collins
Executive Director,
American Solar Energy Society
Boulder, Colorado
www.ases.org

Energy Bill Udate!

I am sharing this email I received from Erika Morgan. Thanks for all of the help everyone gave to let our Government know that Renewable Energy folks like us can make a good roar when needed.

This is cool!

Thanks,

Frank Knight

Erika's Message:

Good afternoon!

Several of you have noticed the news last night and this morning about a "Breakthrough" on the Energy Bill. Here's how I read what's going on, and what I think our response should be.  (if you haven't heard it on the news already, there are stories linked below). 

The headline and main focus of all the stories is a compromise between Majority Leader Pelosi and Rep. Dingell (D-MI) concerning CAFE standards.  The subtext suggests that Leadership has reached a compromise that they feel might actually win both House passage and achieve a Senate majority. 

This means that the Energy Bill can actually move forward with a) CAFE; b) RFS and c) Renewable Energy Standard, i.e., 15% requirement on utilities to buy renewables and, maybe d) the solar tax provisions.  These are all great things.  AND if this compromise actually achieves the veto-proof 60+ vote majority, then all these things might all actually get passed.  That would be huge. 

It is also true that there HAS been a lot of support for the solar tax credits, and Leadership knows that.  IF the tax credits aren't included, there are other ways that the tax credits can get passed. This is not true for CAFE, RFS and RES, none of which have any other "vehicles" for passage. Given all this, do we tell our reps to vote against this huge package of good things?   

It's too early to say. We'll hear from "our side" of DC certainly on Monday.  We need two answers:

a) ARE the solar tax credits in this package or not.  Sen. Reid committed to the industry that YES, these provisions would be in the package.  It may well be that they ARE included.  Yet from all the reporting on this last "breakthrough", we can't confirm that they are or aren't. 

b) If not, IS there an acceptable alternative vehicle to ensure their passage.  Has the solar industry reached agreement with Leadership promising that, if the tax credits are OUT now, that they WILL be in a specific alternate vehicle for action, and when? 

Bottom line: Hold tight.  This is a good time to take a break from generating calls.  It's possible we will want to start calls again soon, but possibly with a different message.  It could be "Support the Energy Bill", because the solar credits ARE in it.  Or, if the tax credits are going to be put into a different piece of legislation, we'll want to hold our calls until we can support that measure. 

For any of you and your teams that have been making calls, thank you.  If you get a call back, just say what you would have said -- the solar industry needs a stable, long term investment context in order to continue its growth.  Anything that can be done to support that position is urged and appreciated. 

But hold off on either placing more calls, or on requesting any more sign-ons of the support letters.  It's probable that the sign-on letters have been sent by now, as leadership has most likely achieved the final form of their package prior to votes due to start Wednesday.  Let's keep our powder dry for the next round, whether that's later in the week or another time altogether.

Thanks very much to all, Erika


Background -- for further reading on what's just happened, here are a few of the better resources I found.  There will be much more written over the next few days. 

Here's what NPR said this morning:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16799774   The most telling bits for our purposes are at the end:

"... But to get the bill through the Senate — and also avoid a threatened veto by President Bush — Democratic leaders are expected to abandon attempts to impose nearly $16 billion in new taxes on the oil industry with the revenue to be used to support renewable energy sources and conservation.  It remained unclear Friday whether more limited tax provisions aimed at ensuring extensions of tax credits and incentives for renewable fuels development will survive."

All the other sources I have reviewed just now reflect the same uncertainty about what's happening with the solar tax incentives- e.g.,
CBS News 8 PM last night- "It remained unclear Friday whether some, more limited tax provisions aimed at ensuring extensions of tax credits and incentives for renewable fuels development would be included."

This New York Times article provides a better look at all the various pieces of the puzzle that have been traded off here, notably the issue of federal preemption of CA's right to set their own mileage standards, and the rights of other states to follow CA if they want to do so, which is a really huge issue to get right.  There was apparently huge Republican pressure to cave on this, and Pelosi held tough and won it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/washington/01energy.html?_r=1&bl&ex=1196658000&en=75e60ff9636770ca&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin

FEDERAL ENERGY BILL UPDATE: SOLAR LIVES TO SEE ANOTHER DAY Good work.

Click here to send a message. I tried it myself and confirm there is no pain involved!

The campaign to keep support for solar in the federal energy bill is doing the trick, and solar lives to see another day.

For policy wonks, the backstory is as follows. Key players in both the House and the Senate are informally conferencing to reconcile the versions passed in each chamber ( H.R. 3221, H.R. 2776 and H.R. 6). Last week, we got word that Congress was considering moving forward on an energy package without a tax title–and the tax title is where the critical solar investment tax credit (ITC) resides. No tax title means no support for solar energy. We sent out an email–and the response to the call to action was ferocious. We have never seen the like.

We just met with Pelosi’s staff, who informed us in no uncertain terms that the Speaker is now, and has always been, 100% in support of a long term ITC for solar energy.

The Senate is more precarious. Unlike the House, the version of the energy bill that the Senate passed over the summer did not have a tax title, and Senate Majority Leader Reid, a strong renewable energy supporter, is in a more difficult position as he tries to find a way forward that has 60 votes–the threshold needed to avoid a filibuster.

How well did the campaign work? Let us share a brief quote from Congressional Quarterly:

“[I]t appeared likely late last week that Democratic leaders would leave tax language off an initial energy package deal before Christmas. But Finance ranking member Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said that while his perception Tuesday morning was that tax discussions were dead, he changed his assessment by early afternoon. “Evidently, there is one with life to it,” he said.”

So, nice work. You did that.

Going forward, Senator Reid told supporters that he was exploring a plan to divide the energy bill into three pieces: CAFE standard and Renewable Fuels Standard; Renewable Energy Standard; and solar ITC (this might include wind PTC as well). His argument was that each element had 60 votes, but a different set for each, so splitting offers the best chance for success.

However, we worry that if the most popular element (CAFE) goes on its own, the push for the ITC might be a lot less robust, and some members might be tempted to pass CAFE, call it a victory, have a BBQ, and go home. We can’t have that.

What we’d like is for the first piece of legislation that moves have the solar ITC attached. No ‘we’ll pass this other thing first, then we’ll get back to you later,’ because if history is any guide, later is often never. Just ask your three-year old how she feels about ‘later’. Us too.

In any event, we now have some more time to prepare: Congress goes home this Friday for Thanksgiving break, and the matter will be taken up after December 3, when they return.

The focus will then turn to the Senators that voted against cloture ( i.e. refused to shut down the filibuster) on the Senate energy tax title (aka the Baucus Amendment).

I know many of us involved with Citizenre have been passionately getting folks attention for over a week now and it is an awesome feeling thinking maybe we had a little something to do with the attention this Bill has gotten.

It just gets better everyday!

Peace,

Frank Knight

 

Red Alert: Congress considering dropping renewables from energy bill!!!

Friends-

If the crushing of hope were a renewable resource, then this Congress would be on the cutting edge of the clean energy revolution. As it is, though, we have a red alert. Congressional leadership is dropping the ball on renewable energy, and we need your help to get back on track.

On Thursday morning, Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi decided to drop the renewable energy standard out of the energy bill and drop the tax title. No tax title means no extension of the investment tax credit for solar, and no extenstion of the production tax credit for wind.

Let's see…nothing for solar, plus nothing for wind, hmmm, add no renewable energy standard, carry the zero…yep, that adds up to precisely nothing for renewable energy.

Got that? Congressional leadership is moving an energy bill with nothing in it for renewable energy. Dropping the biggest pro-solar provision this country has ever seen, just when the industry is gaining momentum and making an impact.

We've got maybe 24 hours to turn this around. We suggest calling until the Capitol switchboard melts. Can you ask your representative to pass the renwable energy message to Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi? A suggested script might go like this:

"Hi. My name is__. I, and 90% of America, would like more renewable energy. It's not a tough call, since it's pretty clear that the future of the world depends on it. So, please tell Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi to include a 8-year extension for the solar investment tax credits in the energy bill. Thank you."

You can find your representative's contact information here. Call the Washington office.

Additional talking points include:

Clean energy means jobs and energy independence.
America needs carbon-free renewable energy, now.
The fight against global warming will only be won by a transition to renewable energy.

The energy bill must extend investment tax credits for solar.
Our future depends on some strong leadership. Isn't that what leaders are supposed to do?

Many thanks.

Peace,

Frank Knight

Citizenre on National TV!

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Erika Morgan, SVP Communications

emorgan@citizenre.com

SOLAR ON A TIGHT BUDGET?
CITIZENRE SOLAR RENTAL SHOWCASED ON
HGTV’S “Living With Ed”

November 5, 2007 — A young married couple in their first home, shoestring budget, baby on the way—how can they possibly afford to add solar energy to their house?
“By renting it”, said Ed Begley Jr., six-times Emmy nominated actor and environmentalist.
In the November 5 episode of “Living With Ed”, host Ed showcases solar in this new form. “Putting the 2 kW Citizenre system on this house symbolized a 20-year dream for me, to help put solar power within reach of anyone.”

The young family in Venice, CA, shows exactly why renting solar makes so much sense. Paul Eckstein & Hala Khori have just moved into their 2-bedroom bungalow. He is a writer, she is a yoga instructor and their first baby is due anytime. How is this the right time to be adding an expensive solar system to their home?

“Renting the system just makes so much sense”, said Paul. “We really wanted to do the right thing, to make our new house is as green as possible. But we sure didn’t have the cash to buy a system, or even to carry loan payments. This way, Citizenre takes care of everything—they install it, fix it, all that. And our savings increase every time the rates go up”.

Paul and Hala worked closely with Citizenre’s local system installer Stephen Gates, who designed and installed their solar system. “The family should save about 30% - on their electricity each month, for $25.00 per month,” Gates explained. “Since they averaged $28 per month for that same amount of electricity, they are already saving a little each month”.

“It’s so great that we can actually have solar on our first house”, said Hala. “By renting, we actually save money– and that’s money we can save for something else. And we know we’re still doing the right thing for our baby’s future. That’s the very best part of the story”.

“I have been involved with residential solar power for over 20 years, and put my own system on in 1990. You can’t make gasoline in your house, but you can make electricity on your roof – I’ve been doing it for 17 years,” said Begley. “I’ve been frustrated by how many people come to me for advice on solar, only to find it is out of their financial reach. With Citizenre’s rental program, all that changes. Anyone who wants to make clean, green power in their home can do it. With the help of Citizenre, I hope we duplicate Paul and Hala’s story nationwide beginning in 2008.”

The Eckstein family and “Living with Ed” are showing that solar electric systems can now fit in everyone’s budget.
View the episode “PERFECT PRESENT” at http://www.livingwithed.net/eguide.asp.
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About Citizenre Corporation

Founded in 2005, Citizenre Corporation announced its “solar made simple” residential rental model in late 2006. High-volume manufacturing, a national network of branded franchise installation companies, proprietary technology and innovative finance will enable Citizenre to achieve similar breakthroughs in cost and customer service for non-residential solar customers as well. Further announcements about Citizenre’s plans and achievements are expected throughout the months ahead. Ed Begley Jr. has served as media spokesperson for Citizenre Corporation and their innovative REnU rental program since December 2006. www.livingwithed.net.

Lovin' it!

Peace,

Frank Knight

Citizenre on Living with Ed

Very exciting time for all of us folks passionate and dedicated to Citizenre. The first Citizenre install was shown last night on the "Living with Ed" show on HGTV! I got calls from 2 of last years customers already this morning who saw the show.

Things are definitely moving forward. Our Grass-Roots Movement to bring Solar to the masses is getting stronger everyday! My gut told me in the beginning that this was going to be huge. It is exciting seeing all of many people's hard work about to start rewarding them in many ways.

We are gonna git-r-dun together with many more, joining us each day! Which just makes it better everyday!

Peace,

Frank Knight