The wind industry has, since the Production Tax Credit was enacted in 1992, asserted that consistent policy would enable sustained growth for the industry. Manufacturers moved plants to the U.S., creating tens of thousands of jobs, spurring innovation, and lowering the cost of developing wind generation. Now, as a result of this provision expiring in December 2012 and no clear indication of an extension by Congress, thousands of highly skilled employees are being laid off and the entire US industry is on the verge of collapse. See the Energy Information Administration’s analysis of the boom-bust cycle here: http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=8870
