/news/2010/03/16/new-law-impacts-state-solar-projects/ Building and Construction News in Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:58:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.6 /news/2010/03/16/new-law-impacts-state-solar-projects/#comment-15351 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:58:30 +0000 /?p=48552#comment-15351 Kudos to the state legislators and our governor for correcting a law that was being manipulated at the expense of Oregon workers. The key fact that has not been included is that these “private” entities are using public buildings and lands to create tax credits for themselves, all at the expense of Oregon taxpayers. I am actually for the tax credit law in it’s intent-to encourage the development of renewable energy resources. Our state leadership is to be commended for the steps they have taken to ensure this is happening. However, purposeful misapplication of this program has put it, our environment and public at risk due to the extreme cost overruns of the program due to these types of manipulation.
At the end of the tax credit process the public will be the owners of these systems. This is well known by all within the industry. So for anyone within this industry to keep a straight face when claiming these are private projects is nothing more than a nod and a wink.
As a Union leader I invite Mr. Killin to back up his statements that “Electricians on projects like that are making at least $30 an hour.” and his implication that state law puts non-union electrical firms at a competitive disadvantage.
Clif Davis, Business Manager, IBEW Local 48

]]> /news/2010/03/16/new-law-impacts-state-solar-projects/#comment-15299 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:56:04 +0000 /?p=48552#comment-15299 […] hurdle. This time, it’s a case of one leg of the triple bottom line conflicting with another. Solar projects on public buildings must now pay workers the prevailing wage, even if they are installed and managed by a private entity. Meanwhile, Worldwide solar […]

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