To the editor:

The United States has some of the best wind resources of any country, and we should be encouraging expanding wind power generation to the fullest to ensure we have clean, renewable energy that is widely available.

Wind energy has been decreasing in price steadily over the years and in some cases it is the same price as conventional energy.

The U.S. led the world in clean energy financing and investment in 2011, according to a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts, but these past investments could be in vain if Congress doesn’t act soon.

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) has created growth in U.S. wind energy manufacturing, providing American jobs, strengthening our economy and maintaining our edge in the global clean energy market. But it is set to expire soon.

The economic benefits of the PTC extend far beyond the firms constructing and operating wind farms. Local benefits, manufacturers and fabricators, and a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines are all dependent on this economic activity.

Layoffs in American manufacturing of wind turbine components have already started.

We need transparent, lasting, and consistent policies to protect American jobs as well as out our competitiveness in the global clean energy economy.

Tell Congress to extend the PTC.

Brian Holmes
Freeport