Byron Dorgan: “Is it the case with renewable energy that we have done a pretty pathetic job as a country to incentivize renewable…”

“Is it the case with renewable energy that we have done a pretty pathetic job as a country to incentivize renewable energy? In 1916, we put in place tax incentives to produce oil and gas. They have been in place permanently for almost a century now, tax incentives to produce oil and gas. By contrast, with wind and solar and renewable energy, we put them in place in 1992 short term incentives. We have extended them short term five times and have let them expire three times. It has been a pathetic response to renewables. The current tax incentives expire at the end of this year, and I have introduced legislation to extend the production tax credit for 10 years. I believe our country ought to say to the world and to investors: Here is where America is headed for a decade. Count on it. Believe in it. Renewables, solar, wind, and so on need a clear signal for investment. You can count on these investments because this is where America is going.”