UticaOD.com reports New York Congressional candidate, Arcuri was questioned on how he can make his region and district prosper. his answer included how alternative and renewable energy will be critical to the local economy and that he supports tax credits for industries like wind power. Arcuri supports expanding wind power in communities where there are agreements and full disclosure to as not to affect land values or quality of life.
Agri News reports the Democratic candidate for Iowa’s first congressional district, Bruce Braley, believes government needs to invest in renewable energy to ensure economic success ofr Iowa. He wrote an act to extend the Wind Energy Production tax credit and plans to provide grants to Iowa’s community colleges for training bioenergy technicians.
Agri News reports Brian Davis is running for public office in Minnesota. Amongst his platform, he is proud of his state for being a leader in wind power and believes that anything that can reduce America’s dependence on foriegn oil is beneficial.
The Wall Street Journal reports George H.W. Bush, Jay Leno, and Congressman Roscoe Bartlett have their own personal wind turbines. The Vice President of Development for Southwest Wind Power says,”It puts the power in the hands of the consumer.” Wind power trailed a short second behind natural gas as source of electricity added to the US last year according to the American Wind Energy Association. Residential wind turbines reflect a dilemma because the estimated 3,000 turbines that are currently installed only generate a combined 60MW of wind power.
Indystar.com reports a debate between two State Representatives started on energy and agriculture and resulted in political hits. There were accusations of being “mean spirited.” As for the issues, both candidates support more drilling in the U.S. and wind power along with other alternative energy sources.
Silbee Bee reports Congressman Kevin Brady is looking for ammunition to support his bill for improving alternative fuel sources and searching for more oil sources in the USA. This initiative would open up Alaska for oil drilling and extend tax credits for alternative energy production, including wind energy.
Forbes.com reports T.Boone Pickens proposed thousands of wind turbines be constructed across the United States to create 20% of the nation’s electricity needs. His current plan to build the world’s largest wind farm could cost $12 billion by 2014. He is looking to make wind power a focus in the presidential election to reduce the country’s dependency on foreign oil.
Market Watch reports 1,400 MW of wind energy was installed in the first three months of 2008 across the United States. According to the American Wind Energy Association, if that pace continues, a total of 5,600 MW could be installed, surpassing the originally predicted 5,300 MW. The executive director of the AWEA expects an influx of wind projects in the fourth quarter because the tax credit has yet to be renewed by Congress.
Projo.com reports Representative Patrick Kennedy feels a wind farm in Rhode Island waters would greatly harm the state’s tourism and fishing industries. This proposal would generate 15% of the electricity needed in the state. Kennedy’s father has been a known opponent of a smiliar proposal in Massachusetts, the Cape Wind Project. Patrick Kennedy and his cousin, Joseph Kennedy, were approached on the topic of wind energy after presenting a donation to assist in keeping the homeless warm during the winter months.
Reuters.com reports the manufacturing of renewable energy machinery, such as wind turbines and solar panels, could be endangered if Congress doesn’t extend tax incentives. While incentives aren’t due to expire until the end of 2008, investors are nervous about placing their money into a product that doesn’t have a guaranteed return. Renewable energy generation is expected to increase greatly as global warming becomes a more prevelent concern.