American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Issues Statement on Tentative U.S. Stimulus Bill Deal

Washington DC January 24, 2008; In response to the House and President's tentative agreement reached today on an economic stimulus package, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issues the following statement:

"While a stimulus bill is welcome, it is a major disappointment that, at least as proposed, this package does not extend the renewable energy incentives which expire at the end of this year. We estimate that the slowdown in the wind industry from a failure to extend the renewable tax incentives will place 75,000 jobs at risk and undercut a singular bright spot in the American economy--the booming renewable electricity sector that is creating tens of thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs annually.

Last year we saw more than $20 billion in investment in renewable electricity in the U.S.--today, investors are holding back on decisions regarding wind and solar power projects that will not come on line until next year. Immediate Congressional action is essential if wind and other renewable energy industries are to continue to grow, attract large-scale manufacturing investment and create jobs for Americans across the country."