Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Congressman David Wu introduced two new bills Tuesday to reduce the nation’s consumption of fossil fuels.

The first would create a tax credit for people who construct energy efficient buildings. The credit would cover up to 35 percent of the cost of the building -- if it’s at least 40 percent more efficient than required by the U.S. Department of Energy.

David Wu: “We have actually more potential for energy efficiency in buildings than in our transportation system. That is not something commonly understood. This is potentially low-hanging fruit to get us to a better energy future.”

The second bill would bring tax credits for fuel cell technology up to the level of the tax credits given for wind, solar and geothermal power.