Federal Wind Industry Subsidies in Jeopardy

The U.S. Senate rejected the extension of the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) in February, March and April this year. Some Senators also tried to revive the million-dollar-per-turbine 1603 cash grants. The latest Senate debate tried to disguise industrial wind's PTC and 1603 funding as "ending subsidies to big oil". 

Jon Kyl (R-AZ) testified that oil companies already get less than the standard business deductions. Senator Lamar Alexander (R - TN) gave an excellent summary as to why the US should not fund industrial wind.  He borrowed heavily from his recent speech and interview with the Heritage Foundation. 

Meanwhile, Senator Charles Grassley (R - IA) said he was against the continuation of the 1603 cash grants, but supported continuation of the PTC. Often seen as a tough and thoughtful Senator, his recent disappointing display appeared to be 1/3 sock-puppet for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA); 1/3 pretending that the dismal performance of the Tennessee Valley Authorities (TVA) wind project, outlined earlier by Senator Alexander, is unique and should be blamed on the ineptitude of the TVA; 1/3 denying there are downsides to wind such as massive bird killing. 

Grassley's stance is somewhat understandable since Iowa is either number 1 or 2 in the nation for installed industrial turbines and, therefore, getting more of the PTC and 1603 federal money than other states. However, Grassley, like Iowa's Governor Terry Branstad, have yet to illuminate where the vast majority of the federal money is flowing (Wall Street investment banks, European owned wind companies; and China manufacturors) and neither wants to mention the fact that forcing wind generated electricity onto the grid is simply one of the poorest ideas ever conceived.

The Coalition for Sensible Siting can find absolutely no benefit to industrial wind turbines as an electrical source - they are simply not in the public interest.

In December 2011, in an effort led by MN Congressman John Kline, the federal 1603 cash grants were not renewed.

An excellent article by James Hall explaining federal wind subsidies.

James McClanahan has an article in the Kansas City Star. 

Hopeful news for Americans who love freedom.