States heralded for clean energy marketsStates with booming clean energy markets share a formula for success. In these states, specifically Colorado, Ohio and Iowa, policy and economic development work together to stimulate demand for clean energy products and services; seed innovation in clean energy solutions; and recruit and support new firms, jobs and workforce skills in clean energy, according to research from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The American Taxpayers Relief Act (ATRA) plays a role, providing support mechanisms that can stimulate clean energy product and services demand. The ATRA extends the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) for two years and also extends a series of tax credits for energy-efficiency upgrades and energy-efficient homes. Further, ATRA is expected to save up to 37,000 wind industry jobs and revive business at nearly 500 manufacturing facilities across the country. According to the American Wind Energy Association, Iowa has attracted more major wind industry manufacturers than any other state. Ohio, Colorado and Iowa are far enough down the path to start benefitting immediately, EDF contends. "Creating customers is an essential first step to creating new jobs. We've seen some states create terrific job training programs, but no market demand to actually help companies grow and start hiring," said Jackie Roberts, director of sustainable technologies for EDF. "States need to do both, and support innovation. The good news is that every state developing a clean energy sector will benefit from the American Taxpayers Relief Act." For more:
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