Public Law 15-30 exempted importers of energy-efficient products from paying the excise tax to encourage people to conserve energy.
But House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan and the bill’s author, believes dealers of equipment, appliances and other electrical devices that are certified Energy Star by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy still charge high retail prices despite the tax exemption.
Rep. Joseph M. Palacios, R-Saipan, agreed. He said some dealers continue to sell expensive energy-efficient products while enjoying tax exemption.
With Rep. Eliceo D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, and Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, absent, the vote on Camacho’s bill, H.B. 17-79, was 9 in favor and 9 against.
House Minority Leader Diego T. Benavente, R-Saipan, said there are other “great ideas” the Legislature should consider instead of discouraging people from saving energy.
But Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, said because the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. keeps raising the power rates, people will continue to buy energy-efficient products even if a tax is imposed on these commodities.
