# Clean Energy Tax Credit Boosts Renewable Energy Growth

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/12/clean-energy-tax-credit-boosts-renewable-energy-growth/
- Published: 2015-12-16T19:59:32-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Clean Energy Tax Credit Extensions Key to Wind and Solar Growth

As 2015 came to a close, Congress passed a major win for clean energy. Lawmakers
extended the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC), two policies
essential to wind and solar power. This decision sent a strong signal: the U.S. 
remains committed to accelerating renewable energy.

These federal tax credits reduce the cost of clean energy projects. As a result,
they attract private investment, lower utility bills, and drive job growth. Without
them, the wind and solar industries would likely face a steep slowdown—especially
in regions where fossil fuels still dominate the grid.

### Clean Energy Leaders Applaud the Move

Renewable energy advocates quickly praised the extension. Groups like the American
Wind Energy Association ([AWEA](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/03/polls-from-awea-report-strong-support-for-wind-power-usa/))
and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) called the decision a “lifeline” 
for the sector. Both organizations noted that these incentives have supported hundreds
of thousands of jobs and billions in investment.

At the same time, industry leaders stressed the importance of policy stability. 
Sudden changes or short-term extensions create uncertainty, which delays projects
and increases costs. This long-term renewal—lasting through the early 2020s—gives
developers time to plan and scale.

![Illustrated graphic showing wind turbines and a solar panel under a blue sky with
the headline extensions of renewable energy tax credits](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/76D84785-4109-49BA-9992-F20F75C7BAA0.png?resize=780%
2C780&quality=50&ssl=1 "Illustrated graphic showing wind turbines and a solar panel
under a blue sky with the headline “Extensions of Renewable Energy Tax Credits.”-
The Green Living Guy")

Extending clean energy tax credits powers the growth of wind and solar industries
nationwide

### Impact on Climate and Economy

Extending these credits is not just about energy. It’s also about jobs, emissions,
and the future of U.S. infrastructure. [Solar jobs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/going-solar-during-pollution-prevention-week/)
have grown 20 times faster than the overall economy in recent years. Wind farms 
now power over 18 million homes. The tax credits help maintain that momentum while
reducing carbon emissions and pollution.

Even better, these programs deliver results without creating new taxes or burdens
on consumers. Instead, they redirect existing funds toward clean, homegrown power.

### What’s Next?

Although the extension is a major win, clean energy still faces challenges. Grid
modernization, energy storage, and fair market access remain critical issues. However,
with stable tax policy in place, wind and [solar companies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/dont-give-up-yet-since-us-solar-companies-can-compete-with-china/)
can focus on innovation and expansion.

This extension also proves that smart policy can most definitely fuel a cleaner 
economy. By supporting wind and solar, Congress isn’t just backing renewable energy—
it’s backing American jobs, public health, and climate action.

WASHINGTON (December 16, 2015) –

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

Keefe and business leaders from across the country who are members of E2 are available
for interviews about the extension of clean energy tax incentives.

**_Sources_**: [www.cleanenergyworksforus.org](https://web.archive.org/web/20170612184439/http://cleanenergyworksforus.org/),
[E2](https://www.e2.org/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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