For the second time this week, the Senate has voted to block progress on a bill designed to extend Renewable Energy Tax Credits. Although the Bill, that enjoys broad cross-party support, gained a majority of 52-44, Republican opposition meant that it fell just short of the 60 votes needed to proceed.

News that progress on the $17.7 billion package of tax breaks could now be delayed until after the presidential elections in November has been greeted with dismay by the renewables industry. Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association warned that if the tax credits were allowed to expire at the end of this year it will “result in the loss of billions of dollars in new investments in solar.”

In more cheering news, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newson will later today approve the largest city-wide solar promotion scheme in the U.S. The program, set to run for ten years, will allow individuals to apply for rebates of between $3000 and $6000, rising to $10,000 for businesses, to install photovoltaic systems.

Other posts on the U.S. Senate and Renewable Energy Policy:

“Senator Attacks Solar Energy Industry”

“Senate to Vote on Renewables as Early as Today”

“Senate Passes Renewable Energy Tax Credits. Shouldn’t I be More Excited?”