Despite Uptick in Activity, Wind Industry Faces Uncertainty in Congress

The wind industry is touting increased construction activity and power purchases from some of the country's largest companies to argue for an extension of its key federal incentive -- amid a political landscape that could be heavily influenced by the outcome of November's election for control of the Senate.

Gridlock on Capitol Hill has so far prevented a renewal of the production tax credit, which expired last year alongside dozens of ostensibly temporary "tax extenders."  While the credit enjoys bipartisan backing, Democrats are more unified in support of the PTC and other clean energy incentives, while resistance has grown among Republicans, fueled partly by critiques leveled from outside conservative groups.

The industry has been working to boost its allies in both parties, but an analysis of Senate contributions from the American Wind Energy Association's political action committee and some of its leading companies shows an emphasis on giving to Democrats up for re-election and far less to Republicans in tough races, according to an analysis of contributions that have been reported so far this cycle.

"There's a concern about the outcome of this year's elections with regard to the Senate," said one industry lobbyist, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

But industry officials say they do not hesitate to support their champions regardless of party and would not publicly declare a preference for continued Democratic control of the Senate, fearing that doing so would create a self-fulfilling prophesy and hurt their chances of winning a PTC renewal should Republicans take over.

Despite Uptick in Activity, Wind Industry Faces Uncertainty in Congress