Tuesday, March 13, 2012

From Barbara Seeley

On an coming vote in Washington we should all be watching:


At 2pm today, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on transportation legislation – S. 1813, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century.  The Senate will vote on two amendments that pertain to the wind power industry, and we need your help to express your opposition to one – that would eliminate the wind energy production tax credit (PTC) – and in favor of another – that would extend the PTC. 

You can contact your legislators by clicking here and taking a moment to personalize the message that we have drafted for you.

The PTC, which expires at the end of 2012, is a proven incentive for promoting wind energy development and production. In addition, the PTC has spurred U.S. job creation. Today 60 percent of a wind turbine’s value is produced in the United States, compared to 25 percent before 2005. It is urgent for lawmakers to extend this incentive as soon as possible. A recent study by Navigant Consulting estimates that the number of jobs in the wind industry would drop by half if the PTC is not extended.

A number of significant industry voices – the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers – have spoken up in opposition to Senator DeMint (R-SC)’s amendment, which would immediately end the PTC.  These groups, in addition to the American Farm Bureau Federation, have also spoken up in favor of Senator Stabenow (D-MI)’s amendment, which would extend the PTC for one year.

Please reach out to your legislators today and echo these positions.  Your messages will influence the votes that your legislators cast later today.

Thank you for taking the time to speak up.

We believe renewable energy creates positive, clean jobs that help replace part of the manufacturing we lost elsewhere.  There's really no down side to seeing this industry grow--no left behind pollution, no major drain on our natural resources and the production of a product that saves us money and dirty air.
Given the growth rate noted here, we think these incentives should remain.
Let us know what you think.

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