With a federal tax credit that has fueled the growth of wind energy over the last two decades set to expire at the end of the year, the wind power industry is facing layoffs and factory closings, writes Simone Sebastian.
The federal Production Tax Credit, which was enacted in 1992, gives wind power generators 2.2 cents for every kilowatt hour they produce. Uncertainty over the future of the credit and competition from the falling price of natural gas have industry representatives and lawmakers predicting significant setbacks to the wind power industry.
According to Sebastian, "a coalition of 18 freshman legislators - including Republicans from the heartland and Democrats from the Northeast - wrote to congressional leaders last month urging them to bring an extension of the credit up for vote."
"More
than half the jobs in the industry are expected to be gone by this time
next year if the PTC is not extended," the lawmakers wrote. "It would
be a disservice to our country's energy security to let an industry that
has come so far suffer such a setback."
"Many supporters are optimistic that the credit will be renewed," writes Sebastian, "but
doubt it will happen before the November election. And a last-minute
deal probably won't prevent mass casualties for the U.S. wind power
business."
"Most of the damage has already been done," said Matt DaPrato, senior analyst for IHS Emerging Energy Research. "There's going to be a big drop-off in 2013 either way."
FULL STORY: Potential loss of tax credit becalms wind industry
With Tax Credit Renewed, U.S. Wind Industry Powers Up
The impending expiration of a controversial, but important, federal tax credit deflated wind power's prognosis late last year. With many companies restarting moribund projects after the credit was renewed in January, the industry is perking up.
Wind's Future Remains Uncertain Despite Credit Renewal
While the wind energy credit was extended thanks to the fiscal cliff deal, don't expect to see a flurry of wind projects built and certainly it won't match last year's production. Much uncertainty remains for this renewable power industry.
New Power Transmission Line Approved in the Southwest
The proposed transmission line will transfer wind-produced power from New Mexico to cities in Arizona and California.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
New York’s Deadliest Neighborhoods for Pedestrians
Pedestrian deaths rose last year, but remain below pre-2020 levels.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
