“…The legislation is expected to help projects already or soon to be in the pipeline, but it’s unclear if a one-year extension will attract development of new projects or what the impact will be on restoring cut jobs….

The industry considers the 2.2-cents per kilowatt tax credit critical to wind being competitive with natural gas and solar energy.

The wind industry employs about 75,000 workers in the United States, and the credit extension could save 37,000 jobs, according to a statement from the American Wind Energy Association. But the group says uncertain federal policies have caused a “boom-bust” cycle for the industry. …”