Ft. Madison, IA - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today at the event to commemorate the largest wind expansion in Iowa's history by Siemens and MidAmerican Energy. The event highlighted the impact of the job creation from the expansion project and economic benefits wind energy brings to local communities around the country. Congressman Loebsack was joined by Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, MidAmerican Energy CEO Bill Fehrman and Siemens Energy CEO Mark Albanze.
"I am thrilled with today's announcement by Siemens and MidAmerican that Iowa will expand its leadership in wind energy production. This announcement means jobs for our highly skilled workforce, and demonstrates the continued strengthening and competitiveness of Iowa manufacturing. It also means continuing investment in Iowa's clean energy infrastructure. This is what encouraging our homegrown energy and the Production Tax Credit are all about - jobs and clean, renewable energy sources."
While at the event, Congressman Loebsack also reiterated his call for Congress to renew the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy that is set to expire at the end of the year. Loebsack has long supported wind energy production and led the way in the House to renew the PTC. Last year he was named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association.
"It's utterly unacceptable that the House packed up and left town for the holidays without extending the PTC, which is why I pushed to keep Congress in session and working. I will continue to fight to get the PTC extended as soon as possible. Despite the complete dysfunction in Washington, I'm hopeful Congress can come to an agreement. As we witnessed today, here in Iowa, the PTC isn't a partisan issue."
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