Governor Kaine Signs Margi’s Bill to Extend Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products to Include Water Saving Devices

Richmond, April 29, 2008 Governor Tim Kaine today signed into law House Bill 1229, introduced by Delegate Margaret Vanderhye (D, 34^th District), which extends the current Sales Tax Holiday on Energy Star products to include WaterSense labeled products that the Federal EPA has recognized as water efficient. During the Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place during the first weekend of October, consumers do not pay the four and one half percent sales tax on appliances and equipment that meet EPA standards for conservation and efficiency.

“I am pleased that the General Assembly has added WaterSense products to the Sales Tax Holiday,” Delegate Vanderhye commented after a bill signing ceremony in the State Capitol. “By encouraging Virginia consumers to consider conservation and efficiency in their purchasing decisions, we address concerns about climate change and promote energy independence.”

Vanderhye, a member of the House of Delegates Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources, pointed out that the tax cut applies to irrigation equipment used by farmers as well as household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.

“Virginia also provides an income tax deduction for 20% of any sales tax paid on a wide range of energy efficient equipment and appliances,” Vanderhye pointed out, “including qualifying fuel cells, gas heat pumps, central air conditioners, advanced water heaters, and programmable thermostats.

“By extending the Sales Tax Holiday to water efficient products, Virginia continues to build a program of energy conservation and efficiency that began with the establishment of a state energy policy in 2006. I am confident that the General Assembly will continue to add to programs that will help Virginia become a leader on these important issues.”