‘Provisions to advance renewable energy and efficiency policies have historically enjoyed bipartisan support and can drive successful passage of energy legislation by Congress this summer,’ says Daschle. ‘Efficiency and renewable energy are critical to building a vibrant economy and creating jobs, as well as avoiding carbon emissions and strengthening our energy security.’
The coalition recommends at least four fundamental provisions that will be critical to any successful package, including the following:
– Robust and predictable tax and other financial incentives for projects and manufacturing, including the extension of the Treasury's cash grant program;
– Energy-efficiency codes and standards, including an energy-efficiency resource standard;
– A strong renewable electricity standard (RES); and
– Renewable energy infrastructure provisions.
Wind energy industry representatives from REpower, TPI Composites Inc. and Acciona North America came to Washington, D.C., to meet with senators to press for such legislation.
‘This industry has built a national manufacturing base that provides a path for energy independence and jobs in the U.S.,’ says Steve Lockard, president and CEO of TPI Composites. ‘We need Congress to pass a robust RES now to enhance market demand and keep the wind energy industry on target to create hundreds of thousands of U.S jobs and transition our country to a more balanced energy portfolio.’
SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association
