For Immediate Release:
06/11/2008
For More Information:
Matthew Davis, 207-253-1965
Senate Blocks
Extension of Critical Clean Energy Program
Statement
of Environment Maine
Organizational Development Director Matthew Davis
“We are extremely disappointed that Senator
Susan Collins opposed going forward with clean energy and a green economy yesterday.
We applaud Senator Olympia Snowe for her continued support of clean energy –
her support will is important to further Maine’s
development of wind farms and other green industries. Sen. Snowe joined two
other Republicans in voting for the measure to extend tax credits for the
production of clean energy.
America
needs more clean and efficient energy options. Time and time again, the
American people have expressed strong support for efforts to jumpstart the
clean energy revolution. The Senate has
once again pulled the rug out from under one of the most critical clean energy
programs available.
As one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., the clean energy industry is
a shining light in an otherwise lackluster economy. Unfortunately the renewable
energy production tax credit and the solar investment tax credit are set to
expire at the end of this year, and investors are beginning to pull out of
projects. Unless Congress and the President act soon, as many as 75,000 jobs
could be at risk, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
The
clean energy incentives would not only stimulate the economy in the short term
by continuing job creation and spurring investment, but also would help solve
global warming and promote long-term development and growth in the clean energy
technology industry.
We
urge Sen. Collins to stop blocking these essential provisions and to
immediately extend these critical incentives that give a boost to the U.S. economy.”
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Environment
Maine
advocates clean air, clean water and open spaces on behalf of more than 4,000
members statewide.
