August 28, 2007
U.S.
U.S.
The American Wind Energy Association, which represents the wind power industry, spent nearly $384,000 to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007, according to a disclosure form.
The Washington-based trade group lobbied Congress on a proposed requirement that utilities get a portion of their power from renewable sources like wind, the extension of a key tax credit and federal technology research efforts.
Earlier this month, the House voted to require investor-owned electric utilities nationwide to generate at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind or biofuels. An energy bill passed by the Senate earlier this summer does not contain that provision.
The wind energy industry has been promoting its interests in the contentious debate on renewable standards, battling utility owners such as Atlanta-based Southern Co. that say the mandate would be too expensive and impractical to meet.
It also lobbied the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, according to the disclosure form posted online Aug. 10 by the Senate’s public records office.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
Members include General Electric Co., BP PLC, AES Corp. and FPL Group Inc.
Aug. 27, 2007
chron.com
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/28/wind-power-group-spent-384000-lobbying/