3 Companies in Oregon get 87 million for Solar Manufacturing
Portland, OR—President Obama announced today that the Department of Energy will issue $2.3 billion in clean energy manufacturing tax credits from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act– the vast majority of which will be used to spur more energy efficient buildings and wind, solar, and fuel cell power. The President announced that 183 projects in 43 states will receive tax credits to help create tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs and increase domestic manufacturing of advanced clean energy technologies including solar, wind and efficiency and energy management technologies. (The list of projects can be found here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8503.htm) SolarWorld Industries in Hillsboro would get 82.2 million in tax credits to spur solar manufacturing.
Nicole Forbes, Environment Oregon’s Field Organizer released the following statement in response:
“Energy efficiency, wind and solar power have the potential to revive our economy, create millions of clean energy jobs, and stop global warming. The President’s announcement today will help transform our dirty energy economy to one based on clean, renewable energy.
“Our research shows that clean energy and green infrastructure investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, totaling $78.6 billion, will prevent approximately 68 million tons of global warming pollution annually, reduce oil consumption by 15 million barrels per year, and create more than 1.5 million jobs.
“While the Administration’s actions and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are substantial first steps, Congress must follow the President’s lead and take immediate action to transform our economy with clean energy while putting the brakes on global warming. The best way to create millions of jobs and heal our ailing economy is to pass comprehensive clean energy and global warming legislation.
“In addition to investing in clean energy and putting a cap on global warming pollution, legislation should include strong energy efficiency policies and an effective renewable electricity standard. Oregon households would save an average of $860 per year and more than13,900 sustainable jobs would be created in the United States by 2030 if Congress acts now to include strong energy efficiency improvements in energy and climate legislation, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (http://www.environmentamerica.org/uploads/A1/T3/A1T3ezw8Sq4kOKenw2HQqg/E096.pdf)
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, requiring utilities get 25% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2025 would create 297,000 new jobs in America while saving consumers as much as $95.5 billion on their home and business utility bills.
“President Obama has yet again shown forward-thinking leadership on the environment, the economy and energy. We urge Senators Merkley and Wyden to continue to support legislation that creates millions of clean energy jobs, makes America more energy independent, and cuts pollution fast enough to stave off the worst effects of global warming.”
