AWEA- Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address

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 power 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 power 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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