Oregon Public Broadcasting

Governor Ted Kulongoski asked the leaders of two state agencies Tuesday to take another look at what's called the Business Energy Tax Credit. 

The program has proven more costly than anticipated. Recent reports show that initial estimates drastically underestimated how many millions of dollars the state would wind up losing through tax incentives for renewable energy projects.

The governor's spokeswoman, Anna Richter-Taylor, says Kulongoski wants his agency directors to submit a quick evaluation of the tax credits – or "Betsies" as they're called.

Anna Richter-Taylor: "What the governor would like is a list of recommendations about the BETC program as it's applied to large-scale renewable energy generation facilities – and he'd like recommendations as to whether this credit is necessary for these facilities to continue to contribute to our state and local economies."

The governor's letter to the directors of the energy and business development departments suggests that the changing economic landscape makes it necessary to take a fresh look at the energy tax credit. 

Kulongoski wants the recommendations in a short turnaround -- by the end of the month.