Something is missing from a tax package that Congress is still debating this week.  The measure that passed the Senate on Saturday failed to extend renewable energy incentives that expire on Dec. 31. "These incentives have helped to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in wind and solar and other sustainable energy industries," Sen. Bernie Sanders said in spelling out one reason why he voted against the package. Funding was increased for nuclear power. There's more for coal. But nothing for solar and wind power. "I will fight to ensure these vital programs are extended as quickly as possible," he added. Sanders and Sens. John Kerry, Barbara Boxer and Sheldon Whitehouse wrote about the energy incentives in a column published by Grist, the environment-focused online magazine.  "It is imperative that our nation take the lead in creating clean energy jobs right here in America," the senators wrote.

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