[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SMALL TURBINE INVESTMENT CREDIT

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, last month, the World Wildlife Fund 
conducted a national survey regarding the attitude of Americans toward 
global warming. One interesting result was that voters overwhelmingly 
support proposals which encourage consumer access to clean energy 
options. In particular, 81 percent of Americans responded that tax 
incentives should be made available to encourage the sale of clean 
energy.
  Since coming to Congress, I've worked on several initiatives to 
support wind turbine investment. Today I introduced a bill which will 
provide a 30-percent tax credit toward the purchase of small wind 
turbines, 50 kw or less. Similar legislation already has been 
introduced by Senators Charles Grassley and James Jeffords. I hope a 
majority of my House colleagues will join me in supporting this 
bipartisan legislation.
  At a time when U.S. energy consumers are under international pressure 
to reduce CO2 emissions, passage of the small wind turbine investment 
credit will, in my view, encourage alternative energy use for small 
users, increase the international competitiveness of U.S. alternative 
technology industries, and help rural communities that lack access to 
utility grids.

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