There is certainly something in the air. Come November, after all the uncertainty and excitement of an election, there may be a wind of change that ushers Republican candidate Mitt Romney into the White House, and the inevitable expiration of the Production Tax Credit, which has driven remarkable green energy and economic growth. Or, should President Obama win through, we might see the wind energy industry, and those communities who are due to benefit from proposed developments, breathe a collective sigh of relief.
With President Obama visiting the heartlands to extol the many virtues of wind power, not only for the country but for local communities, opposition candidate Mitt Romney has been holding court in coal producing areas, challenging the President on the viability of US wind energy. It is clear that the issues surrounding the PTC are becoming a major part of the political agenda.
It is worth noting in these uncertain times, that this has been a good year for wind energy; the US passed the 50GW milestone of clean energy – powering the equivalent of nearly 13 million American homes, or as many as in Nevada, Colorado, Wisconsin, Virginia, Alabama, and Connecticut combined. The energy produced on wind farms and independent turbines produces the same energy that 11 nuclear power plants or 44 coal burning stations would, and with the added benefit of stimulating tremendous growth for local communities.
With the milestone of wind power as an inspiration, supporters hope that Congress will take control and ensure that the wind power industry can thrive for future generations. “These truly are the best of times and could be the worst of times for American wind power,” said AWEA chief executive Denise Bode.
Whatever the outcome in November, it is clear that a great many people, not only in this industry – not only in this country – will be affected by the election result. To what extent we cannot tell, but we will be watching.
Enjoy the issue.
Simeon de la Torre
Editor, Wind
