Wind Plus Production Credit Equals Growth

On a percentage basis, wind power is the fastest growing electricity source in the United States. This didn't happen in a vacuum. The federal renewable production tax credit has promoted the development of wind and other renewable energy. But this simple, effective idea -- invest in renewable energy and Uncle Sam gives you a credit on your tax bill -- could be history unless the Senate acts soon.

Second largest source of new power production added in 2007:

Wind power at 30%

Years with continuity in production tax credit:

2005 through present

Years renewable production tax credit was allowed to expire:

2000, 2002, 2004

Average drop in added wind capacity in years after tax credit expired compared to previous year:

81%

Next expiration date of current production tax credit:

December 31, 2008

Number of months the current Congress has been in session:

20 ½

Number of months it took Congress to enact a new renewable production tax credit:

Has yet to happen

Number of months left before renewable production tax credit expires:

Less than 4

Source

American Wind Energy Association - www.awea.org

Bill Chameides is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He blogs regularly at www.thegreengrok.com.