Because
1) some states have their own energy credits, and entering them allows the data to transfer to the state forms..IF the state allows it.
2) The software was already there...and US congress has had a bad habit of passing late legislation to retroactively allow these types of credits long after they have expired....so maybe it helps to have the entries in there just in case the do that..
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
