Time to end wind tax credit

Dear Editor,

It is time for the wind Production Tax Credit (PTC) to end. The reality is that it’s time for Congress to stop picking energy winners and losers by giving wind an unfair advantage through an exorbitant subsidy. Our industry has exemptions too but we would rather compete head up with all other energy sources. Wind can and should compete on its own in the energy marketplace, as well.

When the PTC was enacted back in 1992, wind was a nascent industry. However, as evidenced by the fact that wind accounted for 43.5% of all new capacity additions in 2012, overtaking natural gas as the leading source of new generation, wind is clearly a sophisticated industry that is thriving.

And, cumulative wind power capacity grew by 28% in 2012. Those wind power additions hit a new record with 13.1 GW and $25 billion invested, brining the total wind capacity in the country to 60 GW. This is significant, especially when compared to other forms of conventional generation. For example, there are 106 GW of installed nuclear capacity in the U.S.

Wind’s progress has been tremendous and is something that wind farm operators and stakeholders should take pride in. Clearly, wind can compete against other forms of energy in a marketplace free subsidies and government interference. Congress should allow this to happen by letting the PTC expire at the end of the year, as it is scheduled to.

Jessica Bennett

Southeastern District Regional Direction

LA Propane Gas Association