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Colorado Senators Continue Fight in Congress for Wind Energy

Vestas Wind Systems

Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet are continuing to push Congress to extend the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC), which is set to expire at the end of the year.

On Wednesday they filed an amendment to attach a two-year extension of the credit to the Small Business Jobs Act.

The amendment is the most recent bipartisan attempt to get the extension passed. Sen. Udall has made eight speeches on the Senate floor in support of the credit, and says he’ll continue addressing his colleagues until it’s extended.

“If we let the PTC expire, we’ll risk shipping this industry and our good paying jobs overseas,” he warned.

Wind energy advocates say thousands of jobs are at risk in Colorado and across the country if the credit is not renewed. Colorado is home to several wind energy companies, employing more than 6,000 people.

Opponents say the tax credit artificially props up the industry and shifts labor and capital away from other, more productive sectors of the economy.

CNN recently reported on the wind industry being pulled into the political debate on outsourcing.

As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.
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