Congress Undermines Federal Wind Research and Development Program

Federal investments in wind energy research and development (R&D) will be severely restricted during 2006 with a whopping $13 million of the $39 million available for 2006 being carved out – or earmarked – for 17 specific local projects requested by individual members of Congress. “Earmarking one-third of the wind energy R&D program without adding more funds significantly harms important ongoing efforts,” said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. “It results in an effective budget of only $26 million for crucial efforts at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) aimed at continuing to drive down the costs of the technology.” In addition to the R&D budget carve-outs, the overall program will also suffer a cut from $41 million to about $39 million. The restrictions and the $2 million cut were included in the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations, or spending, bill (H.R. 2419) just passed by the House and Senate. “The Senate had originally proposed an $8 million cut in wind investments below current spending,” said AWEA Legislative Director Jaime Steve, “but AWEA and its allies were able to restore $6 million of that amount.” Steve added, “We were also successful in keeping Senate calls to restrict the Department of […]

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