Lawmakers push for green use of tax rebates

WASHINGTON -- Tax rebate checks may not be able to save the planet, but a small group of lawmakers are hoping that with all that cash, Americans can at least reduce their carbon footprint.

Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., this week is drumming up support for retailers to offer discounts on energy saving products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulated window blinds and efficient refrigerators.

Baird and 18 other House lawmakers have sponsored a resolution that encourages taxpayers to spend their economic stimulus windfall on energy-conscious goods.

"There's been very quick interest," Baird said Tuesday after touring a geothermal plant in Washington state. "Most retailers recognize that a large influx of capital is coming into their system, and they want to attract that for their business."

Large and small businesses are being urged to make special displays and fliers for the program, and either give new discounts or double their current offers.

Later this spring the Internal Revenue Service will mail rebate checks of $600 to most individuals and $1,200 to joint tax filers. The rebates were authorized by an economic stimulus bill Congress passed earlier this month.

According to Baird, the idea is to allow people to spend their rebate checks in a way that will have a lasting benefit and the least amount of impact on the future.

"We are effectively borrowing money from foreign governments for these rebates, and our kids are going to pay it back with interest," he said.