OMAHA, NE (April 9, 2025) — Today, Nebraska solar company Great Plains Renewables joined Solar United Neighbors Action (SUN Action) and local business owners at a solar-powered facility in calling on Congress to preserve clean energy tax credits. These incentives are under threat of repeal as part of a congressional budget bill currently under consideration. The press conference was held at the Nebraska-based business Wine, Beer, and Spirits, where Great Plains Renewables previously installed a solar panel system as part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability.

Speakers at the press conference — including local business owners, solar homeowners, and clean energy experts from across Nebraska — highlighted how these tax incentives have driven economic growth around the state while reducing energy costs for businesses and residents alike. They also thanked Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon for, along with 20 other congressional Republicans, publicly defended these clean energy tax incentives.

“Federal clean energy investments save Nebraska families and businesses money and create good jobs,” said Liz Veazey, Director of State Policy Campaigns at SUN Action. “More local solar energy benefits everyone by generating energy where and when it’s needed the most. Preserving these tax incentives is simply common sense.”

“Federal clean energy investments have been a game-changer for businesses like ours,” said Brian Tipton, Solutions Specialist at Great Plains Renewables. “We take tremendous pride in projects like this installation at Wine, Beer, and Spirits—it’s incredibly rewarding to help local businesses slash their energy costs while creating good-paying jobs right here in Nebraska. These tax credits create a ripple effect throughout our entire community, driving economic growth across the state.”

“Installing solar here at Wine, Beer, and Spirits has saved us money, allowing us to become not only a more sustainable business but a more economical one,” said Aaron Konen, CFO at Wine, Beer, and Spirits. “This project, and so many renewable energy projects across the state, would not be possible without federal energy tax incentives. These transformative investments make affordable energy accessible to households and businesses across Nebraska, benefiting our entire community.”

“The Archdiocese of Omaha is developing a sustainability program that will include solar powering many of its churches and school buildings and which will be accelerated if we can take advantage of the federal clean energy tax credits that make it much more affordable,” said Fr. Dave Korth, pastor at Sacred Heart/St. Benedict the Moors Parishes and President, CUES School System, Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha. “This is an economic and environmental decision for our community that is supported by parishioners as we chart a course toward long-term sustainability. Saving on electricity costs means more and better services for the children and families we serve.”

“Having solar installed on my home meant that the food in my fridge and freezer kept from spoiling during our recent blizzard, when power was out for over a week,” said Alan Meyer, a solar homeowner in Cedar Bluffs. “If the federal clean energy tax credits remain in place, I’d like to add battery storage to the system to provide even more resiliency for my home. The economics are strengthened for homeowners like me with these incentives.”

Congress is expected to consider legislation in the coming weeks that may drastically alter or even eliminate the clean energy tax incentives that support clean energy investments like the one made at Wine, Beer, and Spirits in Omaha. Independent analysis has shown that repealing the tax incentives would not only threaten thousands of local jobs, but could cost Nebraska ratepayers annual electricity bill increases of $152.