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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions