Blunt proposes ‘green’ tax holiday

Under the plan, which must first be approved by the Missouri General Assembly, sales tax would be eliminated for one week on Energy Star products that save energy.

“Improving energy efficiency saves resources and leads to a healthier environment,” Blunt said in a news release. “The Show-Me Green Tax Holiday will reward Missourians who choose a more environmentally friendly product. Our plan will not only help Missourians save money on their purchase, it will help them save money on their energy bills.”

The plan is included in House Bill 2250 and Senate Bill 964.

The types of energy-efficient products that would be tax exempt include dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, ceiling fans, light bulbs, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats that meet or exceed the requirements of the federal Energy Star Program.

Switching all home appliances from conventional ones to Energy Star saves a projected 30 percent on the average homeowner’s energy bill, roughly $435 annually for Missouri residents, according to the release.

If the plan is approved by the legislature, Missouri would become the fourth state to enact this type of tax holiday, joining Connecticut, Florida and Virginia.

The same bill that includes the green tax holiday includes a second tax holiday supported by Blunt. That holiday would exempt all items $600 or less from state and local sales taxes June 27–29, following the delivery of stimulus rebate checks to Missouri taxpayers.