Udall: New Report on Wind Energy Growth Shows Why We Need the PTC
Market Report Shows U.S. Wind Power Capacity Has Increased 1,833MW in 3rd Quarter
Mark Udall said a new report out this week from the American Wind Energy Association underlines how wind energy is helping the United States achieve energy security and highlights the need for Congress to extend the wind Production Tax Credit before it expires at the end of this year.
“The wind Production Tax Credit supports a critical component of our all-of-the-above energy strategy, in Colorado and across the United States,” Udall said. “Since June, I have addressed the U.S. Senate 19 times in support of the PTC – and I’m not done yet. This report underlines that we have the wind at our backs building a clean energy future. Now is not the time to throw this progress into the breeze. Congress needs to extend the PTC ASAP to strengthen American manufacturing and create jobs.”
According to the report from the American Wind Energy Association, the United States increased its wind energy capacity by 1,832.7 megawatts during the third quarter of 2012, bringing total wind capacity to 51,630 megawatts. The report also notes that 29 states and Puerto Rico have 8,430 megawatts of wind capacity under construction, including 496 megawatts in Colorado.
Udall has been a longtime and steadfast advocate for extending the wind Production Tax Credit. Since starting giving his regular speeches on the U.S. Senate floor in June, a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers have joined him, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
Earlier this month, Udall joined with Michael Rucker, CEO of Boulder-based juwi Wind, in calling on Congress to extend the wind Production Tax Credit. He also recently spoke with former Gov. Jennifer Granholm about the importance of the PTC and why Congress needs to extend the PTC as soon as lawmakers return to Washington.