Following in the footsteps of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., recently called on Congress to extend the expiring wind energy production tax credit (PTC).
‘This extension is critical to maintaining America's leadership in green energy development and can directly increase domestic job growth,’ Leahy said during an address from the senate floor. ‘Vermont has already seen the positive results of the production tax credit for wind energy, but the wind industry impacts our entire country. Every American has a stake in the extension of this tax credit.’
In his remarks, Leahy said the uncertainty surrounding the PTC is already evident in his home state. He cited NRG Systems and the effect of the company's first-ever layoffs as evidence that the PTC woes are taking a toll.
‘Companies like NRG are putting new projects on hold, and for the first time in its 30-year history NRG Systems has been forced to lay off workers – a devastating prospect for a business in a rural state that has prided itself on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and its strong support for its workers,’ Leahy said.
Also during the address, Leahy cited that the previous times the PTC has been allowed to expire, revenues fell, businesses closed and jobs were lost.
‘There are ways to avoid this catastrophe,’ he said. ‘We must continue the PTC now, or we will most certainly cede these jobs to other countries. I urge all Senators to join me in supporting these important credits.’
