Great Lakes WIND Network (GLWN) is endorsing the "Security in Energy and Manufacturing Act of 2010" which was introduced last week by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and cosponsored by Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Robert P. Casey (D-PA) and Kay Hagan (D-NC).
GLW is a supply chain advisory group and network of 1500 manufacturers and suppliers from 35 states and Canada whose mission is to increase the domestic content of North Americas wind turbines.
The SEAM Act will expand and improve the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (48C) program by helping to encourage needed investments to grow domestic manufacturing and supply chain capacity of clean energy technologies.
"If there was ever a market tailor-made for U.S. heavy industry, wind would be it. The parts match our manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities. The applications are here, and logistics favors local sources. However, our manufacturers must have the latest technology and equipment to successfully compete against already-established wind suppliers from other continents," explained Ed Weston, Director of GLWN. We believe it provides important incentives to catalyze the investments necessary to grow our nations wind supply chain.
The Security in Energy and Manufacturing (SEAM) Act would extend the program and allow for grants in lieu of tax credits. The SEAM Act also adjusts the selection criteria to give higher priority to facilities that manufacture rather than assemble goods and components in the U.S.
"This bill will play an important role in leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers that want to make the investments to create green jobs. To fully expand our American supply chain, we also need a revaluation of Asian currencies and the creation of a long-term U.S. energy policy that includes a national renewable energy standard," Weston noted.
