Distributed wind industry urges Congress to pass a multi-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit and restore stability to the distributed wind market place.
WASHINGTON DC –
As Congress considers extensions of tax policies used by a variety of businesses, it is crucial that it includes a multi-year extension of the renewable energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at a minimum through 2015 as included in the EXPIRE Act, passed unanimously on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Finance Committee in April. The short-sited proposal to extend through the end of this year being debated in the House this week is simply not good policy or going to stop job losses and businesses shutting doors.
“Now is a critical moment for our industry,” said Jennifer Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association. “Currently, 90% of all distributed turbines sold in the U.S. are manufactured here, creating a robust market place and American jobs. The three-week extension being considered by the House puts these jobs on the line as it does nothing to provide the certainty and stability needed to plan for the future.”
Distributed wind power is generating clean, affordable and homegrown electricity across all 50 states. This segment of the industry, if properly supported, could boast exponential growth as compared to current market penetration rates, particularly using new leasing models.
“I urge congress to act quickly and pass legislation that includes a multi-year extension of the ITC to ensure the continued growth and success of this clean, affordable and homegrown industry for generations to come. Allow us to help keep the lights on and Americans at work,” said Jenkins.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information
December 3, 2014 Lauren Glickman, Communications Manager
lglickman@distributedwind.org,
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.