Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

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



Yep, but it will be done when the heater fails, then you can apply the tax via code perhaps. Not the same for insulation in the building since there nothing to fail.

cheers,

joe

Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556

On Apr 15, 2009, at 10:43 AM, chuck britton wrote:

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
_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l