Obama pushes PTC and pledges 10GW renewables zones
UNITED STATES: US President Barack Obama used his annual State of the Union address Tuesday to called on Congress to pass tax credits to support the continued growth of the renewable-energy sector.
"I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here.
"We have subsidised oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean-energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean-energy tax credits and create these jobs."
While Obama's endorsement does not guarantee its renewal, it does help focus attention on the issue as Congress sets to work on another round of tax-related legislation.
He conceded Congress is too deeply divided at present to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. "But there is no reason why Congress shouldn't at least set a clean-energy standard that creates a market for innovation.
Obama pledged to establish zones to develop 10GW of solar and wind projects on public lands, and plans by the US Navy to purchase enough renewable energy to power 250,000 homes a year.
Obama's 2011 State of the Union address - 80% clean energy target launched.
