U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe) is lobbying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to include a renewal of  alternative energy investment tax credits in a new economic stimulus package. In a letter sent to Pelosi on Monday, Mitchell wrote, "I believe we have a real opportunity to brighten our future by investing in solar energy. 

"In Arizona, we’re lucky to enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year," wrote Mitchell. "Investing in solar energy is vital to Arizona’s economy."

Specifically, Mitchell addressed the need for the tax credits, set to expire at the end of the year, to proceed with the proposed Solana solar power generating station, a $1 billion project to be constructed near Gila Bend.

"Solana will not only be a leading source of emission-free electricity, but it will also spark significant economic development for Arizona," read the letter.

 "The construction of Solana will create more than 1,500 jobs. Moreover, the economic development impact from this Solana is expected to exceed $1 billion.

"However, the largest obstacle to large scale energy projects like Solana is the potential expiration of the 30 percent investment tax credit for solar energy. Both Abengoa and Arizona Public Service executives have candidly stated that 'Solana will not happen' without the extension of essential solar tax credits."

The House has already passed extensions of tax credits for renewable energy production and development, but so far none of the bills have been taken up by the Senate. Inclusion in a new economic stimulus package would help fast-track the legislation, as happened with Mitchell's Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which was incorporated into the war spending package Pres. Bush signed June 30.