Des Moines attorney Sheila K. Tipton explains why an extension of the federal wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) is important to Iowa in an op-ed published in yesterday's edition of the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal. The reason is best summed up in her opening sentence: "It's the economy, stupid."

Ms. Tipton adds, "No state stands to benefit more than does Iowa should the tax credit be extended. And no state economy will suffer more should Congress allow the credit to expire … In my 30 years of practicing energy law, I have never witnessed growth by any type of energy like wind energy’s growth over the past decade. Regrettably, Washington’s zero-sum game of politics has effectively stopped wind energy development in Iowa and elsewhere. Because Congress hasn’t extended the production tax credit for wind generation owners, no turbine sales are projected in the U.S. for the next year. None. Without extension of the tax credit, the wind industry will not grow. Investors are waiting to see what Congress does."

Already, the delay is costing Iowa jobs, she notes, pointing to an Aug. 20 announcement by wind turbine manufacturer Clipper Windpower that it will lay off 174 employees from its plant in Cedar Rapids.  She concludes by urging readers, no matter whom they support for President, to let both campaigns know that a PTC extension is urgently needed for the Hawkeye State's economy.