AWEA statement on renewable energy amendments to the transportation bill

American Wind Energy Association CEO Denise Bode released the following statement today in response to U.S. Senate votes on amendments to the transportation bill that would have impacted the wind production tax credit as well as a number of other renewable energy-related incentives.
 
 
WASHINGTON—American Wind Energy Association CEO Denise Bode released the following statement today in response to U.S. Senate votes on amendments to the transportation bill that would have impacted the wind production tax credit as well as a number of other renewable energy-related incentives.

“We are disappointed that tens of thousands of American jobs are being put in peril by partisan gridlock in Washington. Despite the partisan vote on these broader energy amendments, the fact remains that the wind Production Tax Credit (PTC) enjoys bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

“The clock is ticking and the stakes for a timely extension of the PTC could not be clearer.  We stand to lose one of America’s best new sources of American manufacturing jobs. With every day that goes by, layoffs are occurring and further job losses and even plant closings will accelerate with each month we near expiration in December. Economic studies have shown that Congressional inaction on the PTC could kill 37,000 American jobs, shutter plants and cancel billions of dollars in private investment. 

“In a divided Washington, support for American wind power has been one of the few things both sides can agree on. An extension of the PTC enjoys the bipartisan support of 79 co-sponsors, including 18 Republicans, as well as such groups as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Edison Electric Institute and American Farm Bureau Federation. The broad base of support for wind energy positions us well to get the PTC extended at the next possible opportunity. We will continue to fight to find any opportunity for an extension as soon as possible.”