The Environmental Blog
Wind Energy in America [infographic]
Infographic by Sarah Gerrity via energy.gov
Wind energy is a growing clean alternative renewable energy in America. However, it is being threatened by the expiration of a tax credit called the Production Tax Credit or PTC set to expire at the end of 2012. Estimates are now floating around via the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) that as many as half or more could be lost.
Thankfully, the Sierra Club is trying to ask its members to send a letter to Speaker of the House of Representatives (John Boehner) to request an extension to help nurture the wind energy industry.
Workers in states with high employment numbers in the wind energy industry are at stake such as in Oregon, Arkansas, North Dakota, Colorado, and Iowa. Literally thousands of these wind energy jobs have already been lost because of the uncertainty of wind energy without government investment.
I urge you to send your own letter to Speaker Boehner to request that he do the right thing to invest in green technology and clean energy. This will ensure thousands of good paying jobs can continue to provide support to the economy as well as provide a pathway wean off of fossil fuels.
There are many hurdles that surround the wind energy tax credits within Congress and the Presidential debate, however it nevertheless remains an important issue.
Costs to produce electricity via clean wind power have lowered substantially in recent times. This has given wind companies the ability to negotiate power purchase contracts for a competitive price to other energy sources. However, wind energy cannot compete against natural gas because it is an industry that enjoys permanent tax credits for production and drilling and fracking – all which makes for an uneven playing field.
What do you all think about the wind energy and it’s future?
Just living life in Portland, Oregon and enjoying every day that goes by. I love the environment, and I love community, and I love being able to share my experiences and perspective with the world. Follow @EnvironmentBlog
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