The coalition has 369 members, including organizations ranging from the American Wind Energy Association to the American Farm to American Farm Bureau Federation to the United Steelworkers union.
The PTC is a tax incentive designed to encourage the development of clean energy sources while keeping electricity rates low. For wind energy the subsidy is set to expire next year with the coalition saying this will lead to job Closes as well as significant potential new sources of revenue for struggling farmers.
A letter to Congress, signed by all members, concludes, “Now is not the time to increase taxes on wind energy. The PTC should be extended for at least another four years so that American know-how can keep producing domestic clean energy. When the PTC has expired in the past, installations have dropped between 73 and 93 per cent, with corresponding job losses. An expiration at this time would jeopardise this new American manufacturing sector.
“The next few years are critical to ensure that properly sited wind energy is a viable part of a balanced domestic electricity portfolio. We look forward to working with you to continue creating economic opportunities for American communities through clean, affordable, and homegrown wind energy,” the letter continues.
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