House passes half-measure for wind energy

WASHINGTON, D.C — The House passed HR 5771, The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, by a vote of 378-46. The bill would retroactively renew a package of more than 50 expired tax breaks for the 2014 tax year, including the production tax credit for wind. While wind struggles to secure even temporary assistance, the fossil fuel industry continues to enjoy billions in subsidies that are permanent parts of the tax code.

Friends of the Earth Climate and energy campaigner Lukas Ross issued the following statement in response:

This is an unacceptable half-measure that the climate cannot afford. Wind farms do not sprout overnight. Planning and funding these projects requires a level of long-term certainty that a one year retroactive extension simply does not provide.

While renewable energy struggles to maintain minimal incentives, Big Oil and King Coal rake in billions of dollars worth of permanent federal subsidies every year. Forcing wind energy to exist in a constant state of uncertainty for its comparatively modest support is the worst kind of double-standard.

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Expert Contact: Lukas Ross, (202) 222-0724, [email protected]
Communications Contact: Kate Colwell, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]