North American Windpower: Senator Rips Congressional Colleagues For Adjourning Without Extending Wind Energy PTC

by NAW Staff on Wednesday 26 September 2012

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is slamming Congress for adjourning without extending the wind energy production tax credit (PTC).

"It is extremely disappointing for workers throughout Colorado and the country, whose jobs rely on the wind industry, that Congress has not yet extended the PTC," Bennet said in a statement. "Let it be clear: The delay in extending the credit is already costing Colorado jobs. If it expires, the wind industry, as well as thousands of jobs in Colorado and tens of thousands more across the country, will take a devastating hit.

"The wind PTC has bipartisan support and is an economic driver that is critical to jobs and a clean and diverse energy portfolio in this country," he continued. “It should be extended, and it should be extended immediately.”

Bennet - like his fellow Colorado senator, Mark Udall - has led many efforts to extend the PTC. He has introduced two bipartisan amendments with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and co-sponsored by Udall, to extend the PTC. He also partnered with Udall and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to introduce the American Energy and Job Promotion Act, a bipartisan bill to extend the PTC for wind and several other renewable energy technologies.

In July, Bennet was part of a bipartisan group of senators that successfully urged the Senate Finance Committee to include an extension of the PTC in a tax-extenders bill.

Don't miss the latest wind energy news -- register to receive NAW's news headlines.

Latest Top Stories

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.

WINDPOWER Panelists Issue A Call To Arms: Protect RPS Mandates

Votes on several legislative bills concerning state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are nearing. How can you help protect and maintain these development drivers?

Wind Industry Still Awaits First Eagle-Take Permit Under BGEPA

The first wind developer to apply for a take permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has withdrawn its application.