The Red Wing (Minn.) Republican-Eagle Wednesday joined the ranks of newspapers across the country supporting an extension of the federal wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC).

In its editorial, the Republican-Eagle noted that low natural gas prices and soft electricity demand due to the ongoing sluggishness of the economy are hampering wind power, adding, "But the delay in extending the production tax credit is a major contributor to a condition industries and investors hate: uncertainty."

That uncertainty, it said, played a role in the decision of Otter Tail Power Co. to sell its subsidiary DMI, which manufactures wind turbine towers.  And the economic harm if the PTC is not renewed soon, the newspaper said, will not stop with DMI: 

"For example, at least one major Fargo construction company counts about half its business in wind farm work. Two firms in the metro area build substations and electrical systems for the wind industry. Engineering firms in the Red River Valley sell services to renewable energy companies.

"When it’s added up, the potential economic damage is more than the possible loss of [jobs at firms manufacturing turbine components]. Small communities have benefited from wind farms, including new taxes generated for counties, townships and school districts. If wind power shuts down–or the promise of more wind power is not realized–rural economies will take a hit …

"Business and industry cannot plan in a climate of uncertainty. In a new and evolving clean-energy business like wind power, uncertainty is a killer. The least Congress can do in today’s challenging energy market is provide a measure of certainty by extending the credit at least five years."