Rules 'to spark US energy debate'

Perhaps the most important impact from today’s Environmental Protection Agency announcement will be the sparking of a national conversation about future US energy supplies, a conversation renewables are poised to win, says Peter Kelley, the American Wind Energy Association’s vice president for public affairs.

There will be “a lot sound and fury” from politicians on the issue in the run-up to November’s mid-term Congressional elections, but Kelley doubts that Republicans will be able to water down the EPA's proposal, which is strongly backed by President Barack Obama.

And in spite of the political furor, he does not expect the EPA debate to negatively impact the survival chances of the Production Tax Credit – which he believes will be extended “by next year”, regardless of the outcome of November's elections.

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