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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Matt Smith |
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Smith proposes 'green' roof tax credit legislation
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would provide a state tax credit to encourage more Pennsylvanians to build so-called "green" roofs.
"We in state government must continue to provide leadership in the move toward energy independence and environmental stewardship," Smith said. "My legislation would offer another significant financial incentive to people and businesses here that take the initiative to go green."
As opposed to traditional home roofing material, a green roof is composed of vegetation and soil planted on a waterproof membrane. Smith said green roofs lower energy costs due to the insulation they provide buildings and homes, as well as a range of environmental benefits. According to Smith, green roofs reduce demand on sewage systems by absorbing rainwater while they also absorb air and noise pollution and cut down on urban heat.
Smith's legislation (H.B. 2835) would create a state Personal Income Tax credit as an incentive for people or small businesses to build green roofs. Tax credits would cover up to 25 percent of the costs incurred to build and maintain a green roof, up to a maximum $100,000 per year, for up to six years.
Tax credits would have to be repaid if the green roof is not constructed or maintained according to a commitment agreement. The state Department of Revenue would administer the tax credit program.
Earlier this year, Smith ushered another green building incentive program into law under the 2008-09 state budget. Smith introduced legislation (Special Session H.B. 5) to provide $25 million for tax credits to commercial and residential owners or tenants for the construction of environmental high-performance green buildings, or the renovation of non-green buildings into green buildings. Smith's proposal was passed as part of the House Democrats' $650 million Energy Independence Strategy.
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