PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30 PA-UnitedSteel-energy
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congress will miss an
important opportunity to give the U.S. economy a much needed boost if they
fail to extend the renewable energy tax credits for wind, solar and biomass,
the United Steelworkers (USW) said today.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO )
USW President Leo W. Gerard declared, "Policies that spur investment in
the emerging clean energy economy are more critical than ever, especially as
our nation continues to experience an economic downturn, a failing financial
market and a 6.1 percent unemployment rate that's the highest in four years."
He adds, "Failing to extend these tax credits will be detrimental to the
industries that benefit from them and to America's job growth. Inaction does
little to increase our nation's energy independence and the fight against
global warming.
"Extension of the renewable-energy tax credits also offers a unique
opportunity to reinvest in America, and to revitalize our domestic
manufacturing and construction industries," the international union president
said. He cited a recent report by the Center for American Progress showing
that two million job opportunities exist for the nation's manufacturing and
construction workers -- but only if policies are put in place to spur
investment in the clean energy economy.
"These tax credits expire in December, so there is very little time left
to for Congress to extend them," Gerard stated. He observed that both the
House and the Senate have passed versions of a tax credit extension.
"I urge both chambers to work on those differences before Congress
adjourns. Our nation cannot afford to lose the 116,000 jobs the American Wind
Energy Association (AWEA) projects will be lost, if Congress fails to act."
The USW represents 850,000 members employed in North America's major
industries, including the energy sector in oil refining, pipelines, gas and
electric utilities, wind, solar and other renewables.
Contact: Roxanne Brown, 202-778-4384; 202-215-3997
SOURCE United Steelworkers
