MOST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES STRONGLY SUPPORT WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE U.S., TRADE GROUP FINDS
Six Democratic Campaigns Respond to Survey;
Results Back Wind Power
Washington, DC – The majority of Presidential candidates in the Democratic party strongly support a range of policies to develop wind energy in the U. S., according to the results of a survey distributed by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and released today.
The survey posed seven questions on wind energy development to the candidates for the Democratic Presidential nomination and to President George W. Bush. The President's campaign explained that it would not begin reviewing surveys and questionnaires for possible response until after the State of the Union and the FY 2005 Budget roll-out, and would try to respond later in the campaign season. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and the Reverend Al Sharpton did not provide responses.
All responding candidates voiced support for policies to boost the role of wind power in U.S. energy supply, including:
a long-term extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy, which expired December 31, 2003,
a national renewables portfolio standard (RPS) requiring that a growing minimum percentage of our electricity supply come from renewable energy sources,
an investment tax credit for small wind systems,
non-discriminatory transmission and interconnection rules for wind power,
responsible offshore wind power development.
The candidates also support rapid expansion of the nation's wind turbine fleet to 30,000 megawatts (MW) by 2007 -- equivalent to 3 Bcf (billion cubic feet of natural gas) per day, about the extent of the shortage in natural gas currently facing the nation -- although former Vermont Governor Howard Dean qualifies his support by saying he "will significantly expand wind power," but "does not wish to commit to a specified goal at this time."
“We’re encouraged by the broad base of support for wind energy development expressed by the majority of candidates for president," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. “With the right signals and commitments at the federal level, wind energy can provide 6% of the nation’s electricity by 2020, about as much as hydropower provides today. We look forward to working with all the candidates to provide them with more information about wind energy’s potential in the United States.”
“The results of this survey demonstrate the importance of wind energy in the nation’s energy policy,” said AWEA Legislative Director Jaime Steve. “From job creation and local economic development benefits to cleaner air and inexhaustible power supply, wind energy development is a win-win for the nation’s economy and environment. We are pleased to see that so many Presidential candidates recognize that fact.”
Retired General Wesley Clark, for example, noted that "..the increased domestic demand for wind power prompted by an RPS will help America's wind industry develop into another American high-tech success story. Programs such as the RPS shatter the myth that progressive environmental policy is incompatible with smart economic growth." Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) pointed to his vote in favor of a mandatory national RPS, noting that he "would agree to an even higher standard."
Several of the candidates share the vision of revitalizing the Great Plains and Midwest by turning the wind-rich region into a supplier of clean, renewable wind power to the nation. Gov. Dean aims "to improve the transmission needed to get electricity generated by wind power in the Dakotas and other states with strong wind potential to metropolitan areas in the West and Midwest." Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) notes that "wind energy has the potential to generate significant new economic development in small communities across rural America." Gen. Clark says that "a comprehensive national wind energy plan could help revitalize the economy of the Great Plains, possibly doubling farmers' incomes while using less than 5 % of the land."
Security, job creation, and a healthier environment are cited as reasons to back wind power and renewable energy development. According to Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), "investments in domestic, renewable energy are central to my vision of building a safer, stronger and more secure America . . . American leadership in clean energy technology will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs; create massive export markets, reduce pollution and pressures to develop public lands; help address electricity system problems; protect consumers through fuel diversity; and provide additional benefits
Compare this to the lack of leadership on renewables by the Bush administration.
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