Tipton Touts Wind Energy Innovation as Part of All-of-the-Above Energy Solution in Committee Hearing

April 26, 2012

Tipton Touts Wind Energy Innovation as Part of All-of-the-Above Energy Solution in Committee Hearing

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) made the case for wind energy during a Small Business Subcommittee on Energy, Agriculture and Trade hearing to examine innovative ways small businesses contribute to energy production.

In his opening statement, Tipton told the committee:

“As it has been shown in most all industries in the United States, small businesses can be the catalyst that drives innovation to new and better technology; new technology that harnesses energy that we did not have the capabilities to utilize before. There are many exciting developments in the biofuel, wind, solar, and hydroelectric industries. Colorado is a national wind energy leader and has lots of small businesses who are finding innovative ways to be successful.

“One of these Colorado small businesses employs 24 people and is leading the way in direct drive generator technology for wind turbines which I understand will be more reliable, more efficient, lower weight and lower cost than competing technologies and will reduce the cost of energy. Having said that, businesses in the wind industry are not immune from the same challenges faced by other businesses and one of the biggest complaints I continue to hear from wind energy developers is the need for certainty from the federal government. Vetsas, which is a major employer in my district, has warned that it could lay off as many as 1,600 Colorado workers, and wind project developers have essentially put their plans on hold until the federal government acts. Wind is critical to the all-of –the-above energy approach, and I believe Congress must provide the certainty necessary so this industry can continue to have economic growth and protect American jobs. I will continue to support these jobs and push for this timely solution.

The advancement of new technologies moves us towards an all-of-the-above energy policy and greater energy independence, that grows our economy and creates jobs.”

Watch video of Tipton giving his opening statement here.

Tipton has been one of the most vocal proponents for an all-of-the-above energy solution that includes wind, and introduced legislation last week (The Planning for American Energy Act) that would strengthen our energy security by requiring the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a strategic plan every four years on how to responsibly develop our federal onshore energy resources in order to meet the United States’ energy demands. Tipton’s legislation requires that wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale and minerals needed for energy development be included in the plan.

Tipton has been a staunch advocate to providing certainty for wind energy producers, and earlier this year led his Colorado Congressional colleagues in a letter urging the extension of the wind tax credit. Currently, a number of Senate and House proposals that seek to extend the wind tax credit are circulating. Rep. Tipton looks forward to seeing a final version of a bill reach the House floor that provides needed certainty for wind energy producers, and will continue to work with his colleagues to advance a true all-of-the-above energy solution in this country.