Re: [Phys-l] taxes (was SOLAR , NUCLEAR ENERGY etc.)

[chuck britton <britton@ncssm.edu>]

I think I've mentioned the abysmal state of water heating systems  
currently at work in the US.
A substantial tax on non-solar water heating systems could get the  
failing gas/electric systems brought into the 21st century.

Rental property owners are (usually) required to provide hot water to  
the tenants.
The cheapest heaters and cheapest insulation will always be installed  
unless there is a good (financial) reason to do otherwise.
A hefty tax on non-environmentally 'correct' installations might get  
things moving in the 'correct' direction.





On Apr 15, 2009, at Apr 15(Wed) 9:57 , Joseph Bellina wrote:

> I've stayed away from this just because of its complexity, but I do
> want to comment on the renter issue, but not with regard to taxes.
>
>   I think we all agree that there are substantial energy savings to
> be made in home heating and cooling by improving insulation.
> However, it is not clear how to do that in a rental situation when
> the renter is paying for the heating and cooling.  Improving
> insulation is a capitol improvement that belongs to the owner, so the
> renter is not inclined to do it.  Installing the insulation costs
> money and there is not economic benefit to the owner, so they are not
> inclined to do it.
>
> Has anyone seen a solution to this catch 22?  It is especially
> important in lower income housing where the homes are old and very
> poorly insulated.
>
> joe