Kerry bill would extend energy grants - The Boston Globe

Kerry’s plan would cost $2.7 billion.The 2009 grants “helped stimulate nearly $9 billion of new investments by the private sector in renewable energy projects and created an estimated 72,000 jobs in the wind and solar industries,’’ said Pat Eilers, managing director of the Chicago-based investment firm Madison Dearborn Partners.

Kerry acted after the Senate failed to take up legislation to place a price on carbon emissions. Kerry’s measure also would extend tax credits for makers of appliances that use less energy and for contractors that build more energy-efficient homes.

“Senator Kerry is hopeful that energy tax provisions will be part of any energy package that moves this year,’’ Whitney Smith, the lawmaker’s spokesman, said in an e-mail. “His bill highlights key priorities for advancing clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.’’

Kerry bill would extend energy grants - The Boston Globe