Executives from the renewable energy sector gathered to applaud 2009's strong renewable energy development but emphasized the need for Congress to swiftly enact key policies to continue accelerated growth across the entire sector in order to add jobs and boost economic growth this year.
Executives stressed that if these policies are not enacted, the renewable energy sector could face a downturn in investment and jobs this year. Participants in the press conference included representatives from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the National Hydropower Association, the Biomass Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Participants called for Congress to pass a strong national renewable electricity standard (RES) with clear near- and long-term goals, along with expansion and extension of credit incentives, and comprehensive legislation.
‘The importance of building a strong renewable energy manufacturing base in the U.S. cannot be overstated,’ says Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA. ‘The U.S. has a historic opportunity to fortify the clean energy economy but is committing unilateral economic disarmament by not giving itself the policy tools to do so.’
These policies will maintain the U.S.' competitiveness and attract billions of dollars of investment in clean energy production and manufacturing facilities, according to the executives. A new study conducted by Navigant Consulting Inc. reveals that a 25% by 2025 national RES would result in 274,000 more renewable energy jobs than a no-national RES policy scenario.Â
SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association
