See other bills
under the
same topic
        PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 169                       PRINTER'S NO. 3548

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 121 Session of 2003


        INTRODUCED BY BARD, HERSHEY, LEVDANSKY, BUNT, HERMAN, RUBLEY,
           BALDWIN, CREIGHTON, CURRY, DALEY, FAIRCHILD, GEORGE, HORSEY,
           LEACH, MANN, S. MILLER, MUNDY, PAYNE, ROSS, SATHER, SAYLOR,
           SCHRODER, SEMMEL, STERN, TANGRETTI, THOMAS, TIGUE, WATSON,
           WRIGHT, ZUG, YUDICHAK, E. Z. TAYLOR, DeWEESE, REICHLEY,
           SURRA, ARMSTRONG AND SOLOBAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2003

        AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND
           ENERGY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, MARCH 24, 2004

                                     AN ACT

     1  Authorizing tax credits for qualified alternative fuel            <--
     2     producers; establishing the Alternative Fuel and Energy
     3     Infrastructure Improvement Fund; and making an appropriation.
     1  AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS FOR QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE      <--
     2     ENERGY ENTERPRISES; ESTABLISHING THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN
     3     ENERGY FUND; AND MAKING A TRANSFER OF FUNDS.

     4     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     5  hereby enacts as follows:
     6  Section 1.  Short title.                                          <--
     7     This act shall be known and may be cited as the Alternative
     8  Fuel and Energy Infrastructure Investment Act.
     9  Section 2.  Legislative findings.
    10         (1)  The General Assembly finds that there is an
    11     increasing need for the development of renewable and energy-
    12     efficient technologies, including wind power, solar thermal
    13     electric systems, biomass-based power systems, geothermal
    14     energy, biofuels, hydrogen-based energy systems, electric


     1     energy systems and storage, photovoltaic energy systems and
     2     other new and innovative research-based technologies deemed
     3     appropriate.
     4         (2)  It is the intent of this act to assist in the
     5     creation of a balanced portfolio of renewable and energy-
     6     efficient technologies while adopting a strategy to fulfill
     7     the Commonwealth's long-term needs and goals for both energy
     8     and the environment.
     9  Section 3.  Definitions.
    10     The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
    11  have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
    12  context clearly indicates otherwise:
    13     "Alternative fueled hybrid vehicle."  A vehicle that uses an
    14  alternative fuel to produce electricity, which in turn powers an
    15  electric drive motor for vehicle propulsion.
    16     "Alternative fuels."  A motor vehicle fuel which, when
    17  compared to conventional or reformulated gasoline, will result
    18  in lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic
    19  compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), particulates or any
    20  combination thereof. These include compressed natural gas (CNG),
    21  liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid petroleum or propane gas
    22  (LPG), alcohols, hydrogen, hythane (H2 and CNG), electricity,
    23  coal-derived liquid fuels, fuels derived from biological
    24  materials, and other fuels that the Secretary of the United
    25  States Department of Energy determines by rule as meeting the
    26  requirements of section 301 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992
    27  (Public Law 102-486, 42 U.S.C. § 13211(2)).
    28     "Department."  The Department of Community and Economic
    29  Development of the Commonwealth.
    30     "Fund."  The Alternative Fuel and Energy Infrastructure
    20030H0121B3548                  - 2 -     

     1  Improvement Fund established under section 9.
     2     "Person."  An individual, partnership, association, company,
     3  corporation, joint venture or other business entity,
     4  municipality, municipal authority or political subdivision.
     5     "Qualified alternative fuel producer."  Any producer of an
     6  alternative fuel whose principal place of business and facility
     7  for the production of an alternative fuel is located within this
     8  Commonwealth.
     9     "Qualified business."  A partnership, association, company,
    10  corporation, joint venture or other business entity qualified
    11  pursuant to section 5.
    12     "Tax Reform Code of 1971."  The act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6,
    13  No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
    14  Section 4.  Alternative fuel or alternative energy enterprise
    15                 designation.
    16     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established within the
    17  department a program providing for alternative fuel or
    18  alternative energy enterprise designation.
    19     (b)  Authorization.--The department shall designate persons
    20  or businesses as alternative fuel or alternative energy
    21  enterprises. Persons and businesses that are qualified under
    22  this act shall be entitled to all tax exemptions, deductions,
    23  abatements or credits set forth in this act for a period not to
    24  exceed 15 years beginning January 1, 2003, and ending on or
    25  before December 31, 2017.
    26  Section 5.  Qualified businesses.
    27     In order to qualify each year for a tax exemption, deduction,
    28  abatement or credit under this act, a business shall meet any
    29  one or more of the following criteria:
    30         (1)  The business is a qualified alternative fuel
    20030H0121B3548                  - 3 -     

     1     producer as defined in section 3.
     2         (2)  The business is actively engaged in the business of
     3     generating electricity from alternative energy sources. This
     4     shall include the design, manufacture, distribution,
     5     operation, servicing or maintenance of alternative energy
     6     projects or equipment. The business shall receive
     7     certification from the department that it is designated as
     8     such and is actively engaged in the alternative energy
     9     generation business.
    10         (3)  The business has invested in pollution control
    11     equipment approved by the United States Environmental
    12     Protection Agency.
    13         (4)  The business is a manufacturer of alternative fuel
    14     vehicles, including, but not limited to, alternative fueled
    15     hybrid vehicles as defined in section 3.
    16         (5)  The business is actively engaged in the production
    17     of alternative fuels, the manufacturing of equipment,
    18     products or techniques utilizing alternative fuels or the
    19     production of energy-efficient equipment, products or
    20     techniques used in the generation of electricity from
    21     renewable resources, including, but not limited to, wind
    22     power, solar thermal electric systems, biomass-based power
    23     systems, geothermal energy, biofuels, hydrogen-based energy
    24     systems, electric energy systems and storage and photovoltaic
    25     energy systems.
    26  Section 6.  State taxes.
    27     (a)  General rule.--A qualified business shall receive the
    28  exemptions, deductions, abatements or credits as provided in
    29  sections 7 and 8 for the duration of the alternative fuel or
    30  alternative energy enterprise designation. Exemptions,
    20030H0121B3548                  - 4 -     

     1  deductions, abatements or credits shall expire on the date of
     2  expiration of the alternative fuel or alternative energy
     3  enterprise designation.
     4     (b)  Construction.--The Department of Revenue shall
     5  administer, construe and enforce the provisions of this section
     6  and sections 7 and 8 in conjunction with Articles II, III, IV,
     7  VI, VII, IX and XV of the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
     8  Section 7.  Sales and use tax exemption.
     9     (a)  Exemption.--Sales at retail of services or tangible
    10  personal property, other than motor vehicles, to a qualified
    11  business for the exclusive use, consumption and utilization of
    12  the tangible personal property or service by the qualified
    13  business at its business facility are exempt from the sales and
    14  use tax imposed under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
    15     (b)  Electric generation.--Electricity generated by a
    16  qualified business at its facility installed after January 1,
    17  1999, and sold at retail shall be exempt from the sales and use
    18  tax imposed under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
    19  Section 8.  Investment tax credit.
    20     (a)  Credit.--Any person investing in a qualified business as
    21  described in section 5 shall receive a tax credit pursuant to
    22  subsection (c) if the department annually approves the written
    23  proposal of such person. The proposal shall set forth the
    24  investment to be made, including the amount and the qualified
    25  business invested in and what the investment is specifically
    26  anticipated to be used for, including, but not limited to, the
    27  purchase of land, equipment or facilities.
    28     (b)  Decision in writing.--The decision of the department to
    29  approve or disapprove a proposal pursuant to subsection (a)
    30  shall be in writing, and, if it approves the proposal, it shall
    20030H0121B3548                  - 5 -     

     1  state the maximum credit allowable to the business firm. A copy
     2  of the decision of the department shall be transmitted to the
     3  Governor and to the Department of Revenue.
     4     (c)  Grant of investment tax credit.--
     5         (1)  The Department of Revenue shall grant a tax credit
     6     against any tax due under the Tax Reform Code of 1971 in an
     7     amount equal to the total amount invested during the taxable
     8     year by the person approved under subsection (a).
     9         (2)  The tax credit shall equal 1.5 cents for each
    10     kilowatt hour of electricity generated and shall not be based
    11     upon the amount invested. The investment tax credit provided
    12     herein is intended to be in addition to and not a replacement
    13     of any Federal production tax credit now existing or
    14     hereafter enacted, and the department and the Department of
    15     Revenue shall adopt such regulations and take such action as
    16     necessary and appropriate to effectuate this intent.
    17         (3)  No tax credit shall be granted to any bank, bank and
    18     trust company, insurance company, trust company, national
    19     bank, savings association, mutual savings bank or building
    20     and loan association for activities that are a part of its
    21     normal course of business. Any tax credit not used in the
    22     period the investment was made may be carried over for the
    23     next five succeeding calendar or fiscal years until the full
    24     credit has been allowed. The total amount of all tax credits
    25     allowed pursuant to this act shall not exceed $30,000,000 in
    26     any one fiscal year.
    27     (d)  Regulations.--The department is hereby authorized to
    28  promulgate regulations for the approval or disapproval of such
    29  proposals and provide a listing of all applications received and
    30  their disposition in each fiscal year to the General Assembly by
    20030H0121B3548                  - 6 -     

     1  October 1 of the following fiscal year.
     2  Section 9.  Alternative Fuel and Energy Infrastructure
     3                 Improvement Fund.
     4     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established a separate
     5  fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Alternative Fuel
     6  and Energy Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The fund shall be
     7  administered by the department. In addition to appropriations
     8  approved by the General Assembly, the fund shall include those
     9  cost savings realized by the Commonwealth as the result of
    10  guaranteed energy savings contracts entered into by Commonwealth
    11  agencies as provided for in 62 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37 Subch. E (relating
    12  to guaranteed energy savings contracts).
    13     (b)  Use.--The fund may be used to provide grants to assist a
    14  qualified business or a person intending to establish a
    15  qualified business with infrastructure improvements, such as
    16  access roads or transmission, production facilities,
    17  distribution or interconnection facilities, pollution control
    18  equipment or for any other purpose approved by the department.
    19  The department shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of
    20  grants.
    21     (c)  Proposals.--Any qualified business or person intending
    22  to establish a qualified business wishing to obtain a grant
    23  shall submit a written proposal for such grant. The department
    24  shall promulgate regulations for the submittal and contents of
    25  proposals.
    26     (d)  Decision in writing.--The decision of the department to
    27  approve or disapprove a proposal pursuant to subsection (c)
    28  shall be in writing, and, if the department approves the
    29  proposal, it shall state the maximum amount of the grant. A copy
    30  of the decision of the department shall be transmitted to the
    20030H0121B3548                  - 7 -     

     1  Governor.
     2     (e)  Appropriation.--Appropriations to the fund shall not
     3  lapse. Sufficient appropriations shall be made annually in order
     4  to maintain a minimum balance of $10,000,000. Should annual
     5  grant activity exceed the funds available, the General Assembly
     6  may supplement the fund to restore it to the full annual
     7  appropriation.
     8  Section 10.  Appropriation.
     9     The sum of $10,000,000 is hereby appropriated to the
    10  Department of Community and Economic Development for deposit
    11  into the Alternative Fuel and Energy Infrastructure Improvement
    12  Fund.
    13  Section 11.  Effective date.
    14     This act shall take effect in 60 days.
    15  SECTION 1.  SHORT TITLE.                                          <--
    16     THIS ACT SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE ALTERNATIVE
    17  ENERGY INVESTMENT ACT.
    18  SECTION 2.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.
    19         (1)  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS THAT THERE IS AN
    20     INCREASING NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF
    21     RENEWABLE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING WIND
    22     POWER, SOLAR THERMAL ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, BIOMASS-BASED POWER
    23     SYSTEMS, GEOTHERMAL ENERGY, BIOFUELS, HYDROGEN-BASED ENERGY
    24     SYSTEMS, ELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS AND STORAGE, PHOTOVOLTAIC
    25     ENERGY SYSTEMS AND OTHER NEW AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
    26     DEEMED APPROPRIATE.
    27         (2)  IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS ACT TO ASSIST IN THE
    28     ESTABLISHMENT OF A BALANCED PORTFOLIO OF RENEWABLE AND
    29     ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES WHILE ADOPTING A STRATEGY TO
    30     FULFILL THE COMMONWEALTH'S LONG-TERM NEEDS AND GOALS FOR BOTH
    20030H0121B3548                  - 8 -     

     1     ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
     2         (3)  IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS ACT TO SUPPLEMENT ONGOING
     3     EFFORTS SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
     4     SOURCES, ESPECIALLY THOSE INITIATIVES BEING ASSISTED THROUGH
     5     THE RESOURCES OF THE STATEWIDE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND
     6     REINVESTMENT FUND PROGRAMS.
     7  SECTION 3.  DEFINITIONS.
     8     THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS ACT SHALL
     9  HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE
    10  CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
    11     "ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES."  EITHER RENEWABLE ENERGY
    12  RESOURCES OR PENNSYLVANIA ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES.
    13     "ALTERNATIVE FUELS."  A MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL WHICH, WHEN
    14  COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL OR REFORMULATED GASOLINE, WILL RESULT
    15  IN LOWER EMISSIONS OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NOX), VOLATILE ORGANIC
    16  COMPOUNDS (VOC), CARBON MONOXIDE (CO), PARTICULATES OR ANY
    17  COMBINATION THEREOF. THIS TERM INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
    18  COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG), LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG),
    19  LIQUID PETROLEUM OR PROPANE GAS (LPG), ETHANOL BLENDED AS E85,
    20  METHANOL BLENDED AS M85, HYDROGEN, HYTHANE, ANY COMBINATION OF
    21  COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS AND HYDROGEN, ELECTRICITY, COAL-DERIVED
    22  LIQUID FUELS, BIOFUELS AND OTHER FUELS DETERMINED BY RULE OF THE
    23  SECRETARY OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY UNDER THE
    24  DEFINITION OF "ALTERNATIVE FUEL" IN SECTION 301 OF THE ENERGY
    25  POLICY ACT OF 1992 (PUBLIC LAW 102-486, 42 U.S.C. § 13211).
    26     "BI-FUEL VEHICLE OR DUAL-FUEL VEHICLE."  A MOTOR VEHICLE,
    27  INCLUDING AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM) AND
    28  RETROFITTED MOTOR VEHICLE, THAT OPERATES ON AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL
    29  AND GASOLINE OR AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL AND DIESEL FUEL.
    30     "BIOFUELS."  FUELS DERIVED FROM ALCOHOLS, ETHER, ESTERS AND
    20030H0121B3548                  - 9 -     

     1  OTHER CHEMICALS MADE FROM CELLULOSIC BIOMASS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
     2  LIMITED TO, HERBACEOUS AND WOODY PLANTS, AGRICULTURAL AND
     3  FORESTRY RESIDUES AND A LARGE PORTION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID AND
     4  INDUSTRIAL WASTE. THIS TERM INCLUDES A FUEL DERIVED FROM
     5  VEGETABLE OILS OR ANIMAL FATS DESIGNATED B100 THAT MEETS THE
     6  AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS SPECIFICATION DG751,
     7  AND B20, WHICH IS COMPRISED OF 20% BIODIESEL WITH 80% DIESEL
     8  FUEL.
     9     "DEPARTMENT."  THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF
    10  THE COMMONWEALTH.
    11     "FUND."  THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN ENERGY FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER
    12  SECTION 9.
    13     "HYBRID VEHICLE."  A MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH DRAWS PROPULSION
    14  ENERGY FROM ONBOARD SOURCES OF STORED ENERGY WHICH ARE BOTH:
    15         (1)  AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE USING COMBUSTIBLE
    16     FUEL.
    17         (2)  A RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM.
    18     "PENNSYLVANIA ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES."  ENERGY FROM ANY OF THE
    19  FOLLOWING:
    20         (1)  FUEL CELLS OR ANY DEVICE THAT COMBINES HYDROGEN WITH
    21     OXYGEN WITHOUT COMBUSTION IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTION TO
    22     PRODUCE ELECTRICITY REGARDLESS OF THE SOURCE OF HYDROGEN.
    23         (2)  WASTE COAL THAT IS BURNED IN FACILITIES CONSTRUCTED
    24     SINCE 1980 AND OPERATING IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
    25     FEDERAL AND STATE EMISSION STANDARDS.
    26         (3)  METHANE RECOVERED FROM COAL BEDS AND COAL SEAMS.
    27     "PERSON."  AN INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
    28     "QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENTERPRISE."  A BUSINESS THAT
    29  DESIGNS, MANUFACTURES, DISTRIBUTES, OPERATES, SERVICES OR
    30  MAINTAINS ALTERNATIVE OR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS OR EQUIPMENT.
    20030H0121B3548                 - 10 -     

     1  THIS TERM INCLUDES A GENERATOR OF ELECTRICITY, PRODUCER OF
     2  USEFUL THERMAL ENERGY OR PRODUCER OF HYDROGEN WHO USES RENEWABLE
     3  ENERGY OR PENNSYLVANIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES AND WHOSE
     4  FACILITY IS LOCATED WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
     5     "QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISE."  A BUSINESS THAT
     6  DESIGNS, MANUFACTURES, DISTRIBUTES, OPERATES, SERVICES OR
     7  MAINTAINS ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROJECTS OR EQUIPMENT. THIS TERM
     8  INCLUDES A BUSINESS THAT PRODUCES AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL AND WHOSE
     9  FACILITY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE ALTERNATIVE FUEL IS LOCATED
    10  WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
    11     "QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR HYBRID VEHICLE MANUFACTURING
    12  ENTERPRISE."  A BUSINESS THAT MANUFACTURES HYBRID VEHICLES OR
    13  MOTOR VEHICLES THAT OPERATE ON AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL.
    14     "QUALIFIED BUSINESS."  A PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION, COMPANY,
    15  CORPORATION, JOINT VENTURE OR OTHER BUSINESS ENTITY QUALIFIED
    16  PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.
    17     "QUALIFIED EXPENSE."  CAPITAL EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY RELATED TO
    18  THE ACTIVITIES USED BY A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
    19  ENTERPRISE, QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISE OR A QUALIFIED
    20  MANUFACTURER OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR HYBRID VEHICLES.
    21     "QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESS."  A PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION,
    22  COMPANY, CORPORATION, JOINT VENTURE OR OTHER BUSINESS ENTITY
    23  THAT EMPLOYS 100 OR FEWER PERSONS AND MEETS ALL OTHER CRITERIA
    24  FOR A SMALL BUSINESS ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMONWEALTH.
    25     "RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES."  ENERGY FROM ANY OF THE
    26  FOLLOWING:
    27         (1)  THE SUN, INCLUDING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES,
    28     SOLAR THERMAL ELECTRIC SYSTEMS AND SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS.
    29         (2)  WIND, INCLUDING SYSTEMS THAT GENERATE ELECTRICITY
    30     FROM WIND.
    20030H0121B3548                 - 11 -     

     1         (3)  BIOMASS, INCLUDING SYSTEMS THAT GENERATE ELECTRICITY
     2     FROM LANDFILL METHANE, METHANE FROM ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF
     3     ORGANIC MATERIAL, UNTREATED AND UNPAINTED WASTE WOOD AND
     4     SAWDUST AND SUSTAINABLY GROWN ENERGY CROPS.
     5         (4)  LOW-IMPACT HYDROELECTRIC OR OTHER TECHNOLOGIES THAT:
     6             (I)  HARNESS THE INCREMENTAL HYDROELECTRIC POTENTIAL
     7         OF WATER IMPOUNDMENTS PROVIDED SUCH INCREMENTAL
     8         HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT ADVERSELY CHANGE
     9         EXISTING IMPACTS TO AN AQUATIC SYSTEM.
    10             (II)  MEET THE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY
    11         THE LOW IMPACT HYDROPOWER INSTITUTE AND AMERICAN RIVERS,
    12         INC.
    13             (III)  PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE WATER FLOW FOR PROTECTION
    14         OF AQUATIC LIFE, PROVIDE FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FISH
    15         PASSAGE, PROTECT AGAINST EROSION AND PROTECT CULTURAL AND
    16         HISTORIC RESOURCES.
    17         (5)  HYDROELECTRIC POWER TECHNOLOGIES THAT USE WAVE,
    18     CURRENT, TIDAL AND THERMAL SYSTEMS.
    19         (6)  GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS.
    20     "TAX REFORM CODE OF 1971."  THE ACT OF MARCH 4, 1971 (P.L.6,
    21  NO.2), KNOWN AS THE TAX REFORM CODE OF 1971.
    22  SECTION 4.  ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENTERPRISE
    23                 DESIGNATION.
    24     (A)  ESTABLISHMENT.--THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE
    25  DEPARTMENT A PROGRAM PROVIDING FOR THE DESIGNATION OF QUALIFIED
    26  ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISES, QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
    27  ENTERPRISES AND QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR HYBRID VEHICLE
    28  MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE.
    29     (B)  ELIGIBILITY.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP CRITERIA TO
    30  ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY AS A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
    20030H0121B3548                 - 12 -     

     1  ENTERPRISE, A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISE AND A
     2  QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR HYBRID VEHICLE MANUFACTURING
     3  ENTERPRISE. BUSINESSES THAT ARE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS SECTION
     4  SHALL BE ENTITLED TO THE TAX CREDITS SET FORTH IN THIS ACT FOR A
     5  PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 15 YEARS BEGINNING WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE
     6  OF THIS ACT.
     7  SECTION 5.  QUALIFIED BUSINESSES.
     8     IN ORDER TO QUALIFY EACH YEAR FOR A TAX EXEMPTION, DEDUCTION,
     9  ABATEMENT OR CREDIT UNDER THIS ACT, A BUSINESS MUST BE:
    10         (1)  A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENTERPRISE.
    11         (2)  A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISE.
    12         (3)  A MANUFACTURER OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES,
    13     INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEDICATED ALTERNATIVE FUEL-
    14     POWERED VEHICLES OR HYBRID VEHICLES.
    15  SECTION 6.  STATE TAXES.
    16     (A)  GENERAL RULE.--A QUALIFIED BUSINESS SHALL RECEIVE THE
    17  EXEMPTIONS, DEDUCTIONS, ABATEMENTS OR CREDITS AS PROVIDED IN
    18  SECTIONS 7 AND 8 FOR THE DURATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR
    19  ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENTERPRISE DESIGNATION. EXEMPTIONS,
    20  DEDUCTIONS, ABATEMENTS OR CREDITS SHALL EXPIRE ON THE DATE OF
    21  EXPIRATION REQUIRED BY THIS ACT.
    22     (B)  ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATIONS.--
    23         (1)  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT
    24     OF REVENUE TO ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT,
    25     PROMULGATE APPROPRIATE RULES, REGULATIONS AND FORMS FOR THAT
    26     PURPOSE AND MAKE SUCH DETERMINATIONS AS MAY BE REQUIRED.
    27         (2)  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING
    28     THAT AN ELIGIBLE BUSINESS MEETS THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA AS A
    29     QUALIFIED BUSINESS UNDER SECTION 5 AND TO ENSURE THAT THE
    30     COSTS FOR WHICH A TAX CREDIT ARE BEING SOUGHT MEET THE
    20030H0121B3548                 - 13 -     

     1     ESTABLISHED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
     2         (3)  THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SHALL ADMINISTER, CONSTRUE
     3     AND ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION AND SECTIONS 7 AND
     4     8 IN CONJUNCTION WITH ARTICLES II, III, IV AND VI OF THE TAX
     5     REFORM CODE OF 1971.
     6  SECTION 7.  SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION.
     7     ELECTRICITY GENERATED BY A QUALIFIED BUSINESS AT ITS FACILITY
     8  INSTALLED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT AND EITHER SOLD
     9  AT WHOLESALE OR AT RETAIL OR CONSUMED BY THE QUALIFIED BUSINESS
    10  SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE SALES AND USE TAX IMPOSED UNDER ARTICLE
    11  II OF THE TAX REFORM CODE OF 1971 FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED
    12  FIVE YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
    13  SECTION 8.  RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.
    14     (A)  GENERAL RULE.--A QUALIFIED BUSINESS AS DESCRIBED IN
    15  SECTION 5 SHALL BE ELIGIBLE UNDER ARTICLES III, IV AND VI OF THE
    16  TAX REFORM CODE OF 1971 FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX
    17  CREDIT EQUAL TO 30% OF THE COST OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY
    18  RELATED TO THE ACTIVITIES USED IN A QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
    19  ENTERPRISE, QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENTERPRISE OR QUALIFIED
    20  MANUFACTURER OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR HYBRID VEHICLES.
    21     (B)  APPLICABLE TAXES.--THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX
    22  CREDIT AUTHORIZED BY THIS SECTION MAY BE APPLIED AGAINST ANY TAX
    23  DUE UNDER ARTICLES III, IV AND VI OF THE TAX REFORM CODE OF
    24  1971.
    25     (C)  AUTHORIZATION.--
    26         (1)  A QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY MAY APPLY FOR A
    27     RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT AS PROVIDED IN THIS
    28     SECTION. BY SEPTEMBER 15, A QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY MUST
    29     SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR QUALIFIED EXPENSE
    30     INCURRED IN THE TAXABLE YEAR THAT ENDED IN THE PRIOR CALENDAR
    20030H0121B3548                 - 14 -     

     1     YEAR.
     2         (2)  A QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY THAT IS QUALIFIED UNDER
     3     SUBSECTION (A) SHALL RECEIVE A RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT
     4     TAX CREDIT FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF 30% OF THE
     5     COST OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASED FOR USE BY THE QUALIFIED
     6     BUSINESS ENTITY DEEMED ELIGIBLE UNDER THE REGULATIONS
     7     ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 6.
     8         (3)  BY DECEMBER 15 OF THE CALENDAR YEAR FOLLOWING THE
     9     CLOSE OF THE TAXABLE YEAR DURING WHICH THE QUALIFIED EXPENSE
    10     WAS INCURRED, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOTIFY THE QUALIFIED
    11     BUSINESS ENTITY OF THE AMOUNT OF THE QUALIFIED BUSINESS
    12     ENTITY'S RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT APPROVED BY
    13     THE DEPARTMENT.
    14     (D)  CARRYOVER.--
    15         (1)  THE AMOUNT OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX
    16     CREDIT THAT A QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY MAY USE AGAINST ANY
    17     TAX UNDER ARTICLE III, IV OR VI OF THE TAX REFORM CODE OF
    18     1971 DURING ANY YEAR MAY NOT EXCEED 30% OF THE QUALIFIED TAX
    19     LIABILITY FOR THAT TAXABLE YEAR. IF THE QUALIFIED BUSINESS
    20     ENTITY CANNOT USE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY
    21     INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR IN WHICH THE
    22     INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT IS FIRST APPROVED, THE EXCESS MAY BE
    23     CARRIED OVER TO SUCCEEDING TAXABLE YEARS AND USED AS A CREDIT
    24     AGAINST ANY TAX UNDER ARTICLE III, IV OR VI OF THE TAX REFORM
    25     CODE OF 1971 OF THE QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY FOR THOSE
    26     TAXABLE YEARS.
    27         (2)  EACH TIME THAT THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX
    28     CREDIT IS CARRIED OVER TO A SUCCEEDING TAXABLE YEAR, IT SHALL
    29     BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT THAT WAS USED AS A CREDIT DURING THE
    30     IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING TAXABLE YEAR. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY
    20030H0121B3548                 - 15 -     

     1     INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT MAY BE CARRIED OVER AND APPLIED TO
     2     SUCCEEDING TAXABLE YEARS FOR NO MORE THAN 15 TAXABLE YEARS
     3     FOLLOWING THE FIRST TAXABLE YEAR FOR WHICH THE QUALIFIED
     4     BUSINESS ENTITY WAS ENTITLED TO CLAIM THE CREDIT.
     5         (3)  A RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT APPROVED BY
     6     THE DEPARTMENT FOR A QUALIFIED EXPENSE IN A TAXABLE YEAR
     7     FIRST SHALL BE APPLIED AGAINST THE QUALIFIED BUSINESS
     8     ENTITY'S TAX LIABILITY FOR THE CURRENT TAXABLE YEAR AS OF THE
     9     DATE ON WHICH THE CREDIT WAS APPROVED BEFORE THE RENEWABLE
    10     ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT IS APPLIED AGAINST ANY TAX
    11     LIABILITY UNDER SUBSECTION (A).
    12         (4)  A QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY MAY NOT CARRY BACK,
    13     OBTAIN A REFUND OF OR ASSIGN ANY UNUSED RENEWABLE ENERGY
    14     INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.
    15     (E)  LIMITATION.--THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL TAX CREDITS ALLOWED
    16  UNDER THIS ACT SHALL NOT EXCEED $30,000,000 IN ANY ONE FISCAL
    17  YEAR.
    18     (F)  PRORATION OF TAX CREDITS.--IF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF
    19  RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS APPLIED FOR BY ALL
    20  QUALIFIED BUSINESS ENTITIES EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED FOR
    21  THOSE CREDITS, THEN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDIT TO BE
    22  RECEIVED BY EACH APPLICANT SHALL BE PRORATED AMONG ALL QUALIFIED
    23  BUSINESS ENTITIES.
    24  SECTION 9.  PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN ENERGY FUND.
    25     (A)  ESTABLISHMENT.--THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED A SEPARATE
    26  FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO BE KNOWN AS THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN
    27  ENERGY FUND. THE MONEYS OF THE FUND ARE APPROPRIATED ON A
    28  CONTINUING BASIS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.
    29     (B)  USE.--THE FUND MAY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE
    30  LOANS AT OR BELOW PREVAILING INTEREST RATES AND EQUITY-LIKE
    20030H0121B3548                 - 16 -     

     1  INVESTMENTS TO FINANCE OR SUPPORT:
     2         (1)  THE DEVELOPMENT OR OPERATION OF A QUALIFIED
     3     ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENTERPRISE, QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL
     4     ENTERPRISE OR QUALIFIED MANUFACTURER OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR
     5     HYBRID VEHICLES.
     6         (2)  THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
     7     RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS, MUNICIPAL
     8     AUTHORITIES, POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, NONPROFIT ENTITIES,
     9     CORPORATIONS, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES, PARTNERSHIPS
    10     INCORPORATED OR REGISTERED IN AND INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTS OF
    11     THIS COMMONWEALTH.
    12     (C)  PROGRAM GUIDELINES.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE
    13  GUIDELINES FOR ALL ELIGIBLE USES OF THE FUND.
    14  SECTION 10.  TRANSFER OF FUNDS.
    15     NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF 75 PA.C.S. § 7202 (RELATING
    16  TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS INCENTIVE GRANT FUND), THE SUM OF
    17  $5,000,000 SHALL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE ALTERNATIVE FUELS
    18  INCENTIVE GRANT FUND ESTABLISHED IN 75 PA.C.S. § 7202 TO THE
    19  PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN ENERGY FUND. THE TRANSFER SHALL OCCUR WITHIN
    20  60 DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
    21  SECTION 11.  ANNUAL REPORT.
    22     THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ANNUALLY MAKE A REPORT TO THE
    23  ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND
    24  THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF
    25  REPRESENTATIVES ON THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS
    26  ACT. THE REPORT SHALL, AT A MINIMUM, INCLUDE INFORMATION ON:
    27         (1)  THE NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF TAX CREDITS PROVIDED.
    28         (2)  THE TYPES OF BUSINESSES RECEIVING THE CREDITS.
    29         (3)  A BREAKDOWN OF THE TAX CREDITS PROVIDED BY BUSINESS
    30     TYPE.
    20030H0121B3548                 - 17 -     

     1         (4)  THE NUMBER, AMOUNT AND PURPOSE OF THE LOANS PROVIDED
     2     TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
     3  SECTION 12.  EFFECTIVE DATE.
     4     THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.


















    A6L72SFL/20030H0121B3548        - 18 -