Bennet, Moran, Colleagues Urge Finance Committee to Include Wind PTC in Tax Extenders Package

Mark Udall, Scott Brown, Harkin and Boozman Join Bipartisan Letter

Senate Finance Committee Expected to Consider Tax Extenders Tomorrow

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mark Udall (D-CO), Scott Brown (R-MA), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and John Boozman (R-AR) are urging the Senate Finance Committee to include an extension of the wind energy production tax credit (PTC) in a tax extenders bill the committee is expected to consider Thursday.  The Senators wrote a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee following today’s announcement that the committee would consider the bill tomorrow.   If the tax credit is not extended soon, thousands of jobs associated with wind energy development projects are at risk. 

The full text of the letter is below:

August 1, 2012

The Honorable Max Baucus
Chairman
Senate Finance Committee
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 

The Honorable Orrin Hatch
Ranking Member
Senate Finance Committee
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Baucus and Ranking Member Hatch:

We write today to encourage the Senate Committee on Finance to consider a measure to extend the wind production tax credit (PTC) during tomorrow’s markup.  As you know, the PTC has been an incredible driver of economic growth that enjoys a history of bipartisan support. 

In addition to diversifying our domestic energy mix, the wind PTC has also led to an impressive rise in American manufacturing in recent years.  The wind manufacturing supply chain now supports over 400 facilities across the country.  However, the PTC’s pending expiration at the end of the year is causing uncertainty across the wind industry and threatening the stability of 37,000 jobs nationwide.

We would respectfully request you take up an extension of the wind PTC at tomorrow’s markup. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,