In 1994, California enacted an income tax credit targeted primarily at the timber industry, effective on January 1, 1995. It gives credit for qualified projects that enhance and restore salmon and steelhead trout to the rivers and streams of the state in line with the goals of state regulations to double the population of salmon and steelhead trout by the year 2000. The program is administered and monitored by a full-time fisheries biologist in the Department of Fish and Game. The biologist in charge puts tremendous energy into marketing the program and has established a co-operative relationship with timber companies and others who potentially qualify for the credit. Eligible expenditures have included fencing and creation of riparian zones, fish screening projects to keep fish out of irrigation systems, proper maintenance and reconstruction of logging roads, and other plans to keep dirt on the hill in logging operations.
Taxpayers can include a fair internal cost of labor and equipment in their application for credit.
Expenditures explicitly excluded from the credit are those undertaken to specifically meet regulatory requirements and projects that relate to permanent hatcheries. Oregon s investment tax credit for plastics recycling In 1989, Oregon implemented this program to form a partnership between state government and business. Although a market for plastics existed in the state, collection systems were not in place. Applicants who apply after the maximum has been achieved are encouraged to apply in the following year. The intent of this program was to divert recyclable materials from landfills while providing businesses with an incentive to create new markets for recycled materials and new jobs.