3:58 | 26.01.2011
Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address
Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, was in the
House chamber for tonight’s speech. AWEA released the following
statement about the President’s initiatives on clean energy:
We are pleased to see the possibility of the first predictable long-term
federal policy toward renewable energy. But of course we’ll need to make
sure the policy really deploys the renewable energy Americans want in
the near term, as well as the long term.
Wind energy can deliver right now on its promise to deliver new
electricity to Americans more affordably than any other energy source,
if we have a level playing field to compete with the permanent
entitlements that fossil fuels have enjoyed for over 90 years.
On ending billions in oil industry tax subsidies and investing in
“tomorrow’s energy”: It is true that fossil fuels receive five times
more in federal incentives than renewable energy. We don’t believe that
is in line with Americans’ current priorities.
The predictability of the permanent incentives for conventional energy
sources is as important as the amounts. Renewable energy currently
suffers from the inability to predict whether incentives will be
extended every year or two.
It’s time to reorient the tax code to predictable policies that allow
energy sources that will never run out, to thrive — instead of keeping
renewable energy on a constant one-year footing.
On producing 80% of U.S. electricity from “clean energy sources” by
2035: We look forward to reviewing the proposal. It is important
from a jobs perspective to focus on deploying clean energy sources over
the next few years. Wind energy is ready to go now; we don’t need to
wait nearly three decades.
We’ve got to more than double the renewable portion to have a truly
diversified portfolio.
By 2030 wind can be up to 20% of the electric supply all by itself,
according to a study by the George W. Bush administration. And it
insources jobs and investment into America. That’s what our industry is
doing to make good on this national commitment to clean energy and
economic growth.
On putting 1 million advanced technology vehicles on the road by 2015:
We are looking forward to driving our cars on wind. With plug-in hybrids
and electric vehicles headed for showrooms, that has finally become a
reality.
We applaud the president’s emphasis on innovation and ingenuity, and
getting more jobs from clean energy. Wind energy has improved its
efficiency 40% in five years. In tight budget years, it makes sense to
invest our money in that kind of new technology.
We look forward to working with the new majority in the House and
leaders in the Senate to diversity America’s energy portfolio and foster
renewed economic growth.
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