Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards today signed Governor Chet Culver’s Pledge to Support the Wind Production Tax Credit. The pledge asks all presidential candidates to support the extension of the wind production tax credit, which was stripped from energy legislation in the U.S. Senate last Wednesday. By signing the pledge, Edwards has agreed to make the extension of the wind production tax credit a priority in his administration’s energy plan. In March, Edwards became the first candidate to outline an aggressive plan to stop global warming, invest in renewable sources of energy and create a new energy economy.
“With temperatures falling and heating prices rising, Iowans understand how important it is that we invest in the development and production of alternative energy sources,” Edwards said. “Governor Culver has shown true leadership on the issue of energy independence. He has led Iowa’s efforts to create viable efficient energy sources that will allow America to kick its addiction to foreign oil and help Iowa’s families. The wind production tax credit is an important tool that encourages the expansion of Iowa’s emerging wind production industry and, as President, I will proudly make it a priority in my administration’s energy policy.
“Developing renewable energies and halting global warming is not a political issue, but a moral issue. Our generation must be the one that says ‘yes’ to alternative, renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. If we harness American ingenuity, we can emerge from the crisis of global warming with a new energy economy that stimulates innovation, brings the family farm back to life, and creates more than one million jobs in America’s farms and industries.”
The pledge reads as follows:
I understand that the wind production tax credit (PTC) is vital to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy independence for our country. Therefore;
* If elected President of the United States, I am committed to making the extension of the wind production tax credit a priority in my Administration’s energy plan.
* In my capacity as an elected official or civic leader, I am committed to a strong, viable wind production tax credit. Starting today, I will utilize my position to assure a strong wind PTC will be included in energy legislation considered and passed by the United States Congress.
During a trip to Nevada, Iowa, in March, Edwards outlined his energy policy that would allow America to achieve energy independence and halt global warming. Under his plan, America will lead the world in stopping climate change, invest in alternative energy sources, create one million new green-collar jobs, thousands of which would be in Iowa, and freeze America’s growing demand for electricity.
The Edwards Plan halts global warming, achieves energy independence and jumpstarts a new energy economy by:
Capping greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010 with a cap-and-trade system, and reducing it by 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, as the latest science says is needed to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
Leading the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries—including developing nations—to reduce their pollution. Edwards will insist that developing countries join us in this effort, offering to share new clean energy technology and, if necessary, using trade agreements to require binding greenhouse reductions.
Creating a New Energy Economy Fund by auctioning off greenhouse pollution permits and repealing subsidies for big oil companies. The fund will support U.S. research and development in energy technology, help entrepreneurs start new businesses, invest in new carbon-capture and efficient automobile technology and help Americans conserve energy.
Meeting the demand for more electricity through efficiency for the next decade, instead of producing more electricity.
For more information about John Edwards’ plan to create a New Energy Economy, please visit http://www.JohnEdwards.com/iowa.
CONTACT:
Dan Leistikow
515-288-0766 (office)
515-508-9965 (cell)
dleistikow@johnedwards.com
18 December 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/12/19/edwards-campaign-edwards-signs-governor-culvers-wind-production-tax-credit-pledge/