In a last-minute legislative maneuver, Senator Joni Ernst's amendment to preserve tax credits for wind and solar energy will not reach the Senate floor for a vote. The decision comes amid final adjustments to the GOP's substantial legislative package, raising concerns among clean energy advocates and industry stakeholders.

Senator Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, expressed her disappointment to reporters, stating, "I don’t think they’re going to let us offer the amendment. There’s a lot of stuff that went on overnight that kind of waylaid our plans." The amendment, supported by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), aimed to extend incentives for clean energy projects by phasing down certain provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits based on construction start dates. Additionally, it sought to eliminate a controversial excise tax on wind and solar projects involving materials from China or other prohibited sources post-2027.

The potential exclusion of this amendment has sparked speculation about the GOP's commitment to clean energy, especially as the party rushes to secure votes for the broader bill. Senator Murkowski, a pivotal figure in the bill's passage, was reportedly engaged in intensive discussions with Majority Leader John Thune and other key Senate figures early Tuesday.

While the amendment itself will not be voted on, there is still a possibility that parts of it could be integrated into a final "wraparound" amendment, which is expected to consolidate various changes and additions to the legislation before the final vote.

This development underscores the complex dynamics at play within the Republican party and the broader Senate as lawmakers navigate the intersecting interests of energy, economy, and environmental policy. As the clock ticks down to the vote on the GOP megabill, all eyes will be on the Senate to see how these issues are resolved in the final legislative package.