2010 U.S. renewable energy outlook
February 10, 2010
By Canadian Biomass
Feb. 10, 2010, Washington, D.C. – Top U.S. executives in the renewable energy sector gathered to applaud strong renewable energy development in 2009, but emphasized the need for Congress to swiftly enact key policies to continue accelerated growth across the entire sector to add jobs and boost economic growth in 2010.
Feb. 10, 2010,
Washington, D.C. – Top U.S. executives in the renewable energy sector gathered
to applaud strong renewable energy development in 2009, but emphasized the need
for Congress to swiftly enact key policies to continue accelerated growth
across the entire sector to add jobs and boost economic growth in 2010.
Executives stressed that if a strong renewable energy standard (RES), tax
incentives, and other support policy are not enacted, the renewable energy
sector could face a downturn in investment and jobs in 2010. Participants in
the press conference represented the full scope of the renewables sector,
including Denise Bode, CEO, American Wind Energy Association; Linda Church
Ciocci, executive director, National Hydropower Association; Robert Cleaves,
president and CEO, Biomass Power Association; Karl Gawell, executive director
of the Geothermal Energy Association; and Rhone Resch, president and CEO, Solar
Energy Industries Association.
The renewable
energy leaders called for Congress to pass a strong national RES with clear
short- and long-term goals, along with expansion and extension of credit
incentives, and comprehensive legislation. These policies will maintain U.S.
competitiveness and attract investment in clean energy production and
manufacturing facilities. A study conducted by Navigant Consulting Inc
indicates that a national RES of 25% by 2025 would result in 274,000 more
renewable energy jobs than a no-national RES policy scenario.
“Thousands of
jobs in the biomass power industry could be lost if Congress fails to extend
the production tax credit for biomass power that recently expired late last
year. These tax credits are literally the lifeline to many biomass power
facilities that provide long-term, high-paying jobs in rural areas currently
facing unemployment levels as high as 15%,” says Cleaves. “Congress should
support all American sources of renewable energy by renewing the production tax
credit for biomass power and passing an aggressive national renewable
electricity standard.”
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