Thursday, December 13, 2007
Governor Culver Calls On Presidental Candidates To Support Wind Production Tax Credit
Governor Urges Candidates to Sign Pledge in Support of Wind Production Tax Credit
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver called on all candidates running for President to support extension of the wind production tax credit.
“Passing the wind production tax credit is vitally important to growing the emerging wind industry,” said Governor Chet Culver. “If we are serious about weaning ourselves off foreign oil and producing clean and efficient renewable energy, we must pass this tax credit to allow this important industry to succeed in the United States.”
The Governor expressed disappointment that the wind production tax credit was stripped out of the comprehensive energy legislation today in the United States Senate. “While I support many of the provisions in the Energy Bill, I am disappointed this important tax credit was stripped from the legislation. However, this does not end this fight and today I call on members of Congress, both Democratic and Republican, and others running for President to join me in supporting the emerging wind industry by supporting the wind production tax credit.”
Governor Culver presented each presidential candidate with a pledge (attached) to support the wind PTC. The Governor has asked the candidates to sign the pledge by December 20th.
“It is now more important than ever that candidates show their support for wind energy not only in words, but in deeds,” continued Governor Culver. “Signing this pledge is a commitment to taking the positive steps needed to make our nation energy independent in the future.”
THE PLEDGE TO SUPPORT THE WIND PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT:
I understand that the wind production tax credit (PTC) is vital to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy independence for our country. Therefore;
- If elected President of the United States, I am committed to making the extension of the wind production tax credit a priority in my Administration’s energy plan.
- In my capacity as an elected official or civic leader, I am committed to a strong, viable wind production tax credit. Starting today, I will utilize my position to assure a strong wind PTC will be included in energy legislation considered and passed by the United States Congress.
Signed,
SOME FACTS ON THE BOOMING WIND INDUSTRY IN IOWA:
- Iowa and Texas are the only two states in the nation to manufacture turbines, blades and towers.
- Over the last three years, Iowa leads the nation in attracting wind manufactures.
- Iowa is third in the nation in wind energy production. Currently, Iowa has more than 1,000 wind turbines in operation statewide, capable of producing almost 1,000 megawatts. (992 MW today)
- 1,000 megawatts of energy is the equivalent to removing the emissions placed in the atmosphere by 682,000 cars in the state of Iowa in a year's time.
- Iowa is on track to beat Governor Culver’s goal to create 2,015 MW of wind power by 2015. According to a study, Iowa will produce over 2,000 megawatts by 2011.
- Producing 2,000 MW will generate enough electricity to power more than 500,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 7 billion pounds.
- Iowa was the first state in the nation to enact a statewide RPS. Iowa’s RPS is 2.0%. Currently, 8.4% of Iowa’s power is produced from renewable sources.
- A recent study conducted by "Wind Utility Consulting" projects that, within a 600 mile radius of Iowa, approximately $3.2 billion dollars in wind generation projects will be constructed each year over the next 7 years. That equals more than $22 billion in new economic development potential for the region.