Brownback Hopeful For Wind Energy Tax Credit Extension

A wind energy tax credit is set to expire at the end of this year, but Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is still holding out hope that lawmakers in Washington will extend the credit.

He'd prefer to see it phased out more slowly over several years.

Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo has said he doesn't believe the wind energy credit will be extended if lawmakers in Washington can't reach an agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff. Some critics of the credit have called it wasteful spending, but Brownback says it has driven the wind industry in Kansas.

"I think they've got a legitimate point of view," Brownback said. "I just think you'd be better off phasing it over four years, and I think we've got a shot -- a reasonable shot -- at being able to get some extension, and it may be on a smaller amount, a lower percentage, on a go-forward basis."

The tax credit helps make wind energy more affordable.