California Treasurer Defends Tax Break For Clean Energy Firms
SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- The state treasurer is calling California's tax break program for clean energy companies a "wise and needed one" despite the failure of its most high-profile recipient—the solar startup Solyndra.
Treasurer Bill Lockyer on Wednesday told a panel of state lawmakers that the program is intended to promote the growth of alternative energy manufacturing plants in California and complements the state's push for renewable energy.
Lockyer said nearly 70 percent of all businesses do not make it past eight years, and that risk extends to clean energy companies such as Solyndra.
Democratic state Sens. Alex Padilla and Lois Wolk called the hearing to find out if regulations need to be changed after the state awarded $25 million in sales tax breaks to the failed Fremont company.
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