Governors’ Group, including Kitzhaber, seeking new extension of tax credits for wind farms
– Ted Sickenger, The Oregonian, March 31, 2014
A group of governors including Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber wrote to congressional leaders Monday urging them to approve a multi-year extension of the federal production tax credit for wind farms as soon as possible…
… The cost of wind energy has come down, and the federal tax credit is a crucial piece in making the projects competitive with other resources, particularly with low natural gas prices. Supporters say it helps level the playing field between wind and fossil fuels, and is a critical piece of the financing package for most wind farms…
Our Response & Your Comments
The pentium processor, Java language, DVDs, Viagra.
These are but a few of the products that came on the market since the Federal Government started shelling out tax breaks for wind farms in 1992. What do they have in common? Simple – between then and now they entered the consumer market, achieved wide and enthused acceptance and, best of all, made their owners zillions of bucks.
Then there’s wind power. In the same 22 years since 1992 the Feds, who are always so great at picking winners (Solyndra, anyone?) have doled out around $24 Billion in tax subsidies for an industry that still creates only 4% of U.S. electricity – not to mention driving up electricity costs for some and carving up PETA-knows how many bald eagles.
Hey, Guv Kitz – Isn’t it about time the wind power industry stands on its own? Or do we have to wait another 22 years and blow another $24 Billion of our bucks for you geniuses to figure out that wind power just ain’t ready for prime time?
Link: www.oregonlive.com/…/governors_group_incl..
I doubt windpower will be ready to cater for even 10% of our population in another 22 years. The whole process is cumbersome for large populations, destroys beautiful natural landscapes, kills some poor birds! It may work in remote rural areas, like the “old fashioned” windmills did until electricity from coal, gas, etc. was put into use thanks to man’s ingenuity.
L.A.