A Package of Tax Extensions Tied Together in a Vote
Bennet Prefers Individual Vote on Wind, Will Support Full Package
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement ahead of a Senate vote on an amendment package that includes an extension of the wind energy production tax credit (PTC), which is set to expire at the end of 2012 if Congress fails to act. The amendment is sponsored by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and includes several additional energy tax credits, including those for energy efficient homes, biofuels and others.
“The wind energy production tax credit has triggered enormous economic growth in Colorado and across the country with more than 6,000 Coloradans employed in the wind energy sector. This is not an extension that should be made in the 11th hour. Tens of thousands of jobs are at stake across the country, and some wind manufacturing layoffs are already starting as businesses understandably anticipate that Washington yet again won’t get its act together.
“I’ve pushed hard for a wind PTC extension on behalf of the people of Colorado, and I’m glad the Senate will finally be voting on a package that includes this important provision. The Senate should vote on my paid-for, bipartisan wind PTC amendment with Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas. It is a focused, targeted way to spur the success of an emerging, job creating industry. Yet given the importance of this extension to the thousands of Coloradans whose jobs depend on it, I will be voting for a colleague’s amendment package that includes a wind energy tax credit with other items as a compromise.
“Moving forward, I encourage my Senate colleagues to stand with me to pass this extension soon and provide certainty for the wind industry, so it can continue their path of growth.”