At the beginning of 2013, The Production Tax Credit for wind energy was extended through the end of the year through the American Taxpayer Relief Act. The credit gives a tax break of 2.2 cents for every kilowatt-hour of energy produced by wind.
It is reported that the continuation of tax credit saves over 35,000 plus jobs and maintains over 500 manufacturers.
The Energy Information Administration reports that worldwide wind power generation exceeded 200 billion kilowatt hours in 2008, which was equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 18 million average households in the US. One 1.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbine can produce electricity for about 400 homes annually. Denmark gets 20 percent of its energy from wind. At this time, Germany has more wind turbines than any other country. In 2010, China passed the US in newly installed and total wind power capacity.
In order to launch wind energy in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce funded the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative which conducted a study to develop a resource map using information from a network of weather stations in the state. With the use of the network’s high-resolution data, terrain, and geographical data, this study assisted companies—and attracted investors—in properly assessing the value of Oklahoma’s wind resources.
Each form of energy has its pros and cons. Though wind turbines alter the scenic view and can be loud, wind energy is clean, produces no pollution, and can, and is revitalizing rural economies.
Senator Udall of Colorado who has been a strong supporter of the tax credit stated that it “gives manufacturers throughout North America the signal that they need to create jobs, make capital investments in the US, and ensure that wind energy remains a strong part of our national energy strategy.”
Please let me know what you think, go to www.peopleseenergyplan.com Facebook: America Needs America’s Energy. — America Needs America’s Energy: Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan!