Linda Sánchez Launches Clean Energy Jobs Plan (Nov 8 2011)

November 8, 2011

Chatsworth, CA –Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) today unveiled a creative plan tocreate jobs and promote American energy efficiency and independence byannouncing the "American Microturbine Manufacturing and Clean Energy DeploymentAct" (H.R. 3394). The recentlyintroduced legislation would give producers of microturbine technology the sametax credits other renewable and fuel cell technologies receive. Microturbines are clean energy systems thatprovide a low-emission, uninterrupted power supply and help control energycosts.

"This legislation builds on the great American traditionof innovation and manufacturing, but, most importantly, it will help ourcountry create new high-paying jobs," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Ontop of that, this bill helps promote investment in the clean energy economy andreduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Microturbines produce efficient thermalenergy and clean electrical power, and it's about time that microturbinetechnology joins solar power and wind power in the national conversation forclean energy solutions."

The "AmericanMicroturbine Manufacturing and Clean Energy Deployment Act" would amend thecurrent tax code to establish a 30% investment tax credit for microturbines,putting it on par with other renewable technologies. By advancing smart taxpolicy and smart regulations to help businesses expand and grow, H.R. 3394would enable American microturbine producers to triple their domesticmanufacturing. Industry expertsestimate that this tax credit could create over 2,000 new jobs almostimmediately. Additionally, enough newmicroturbines could be put into use during the first year of the tax credit toreduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 170,000 tons of CarbonDioxide.

Congresswoman Sánchez unveiled her clean energy jobs planduring a tour of Capstone Turbine Corporation's facilities in Chatsworth,CA. Capstone manufactures low-emissionmicroturbine systems, which are used by companies, hospitals, landfills,manufacturers, oil-and-gas sites and more across California andworldwide.

"Capstone TurbineCorporation is the world's leading manufacturer of clean microturbine energysystems. We are honored to host Congresswoman Sanchez at our factorytoday, and we applaud her support for American manufacturing, clean energy, andenergy efficiency," said Darren Jamison, President and CEO of CapstoneTurbine Corporation. "H.R. 3394 will grow the domestic marketfor microturbines, which today are manufactured almost exclusively in theUnited States, but are sold predominantly overseas. If this bill passes,more American businesses will be able to generate their own electricity andthermal energy onsite, saving those businesses money but also strengtheningenergy security and reducing pollution."

Microturbines are an American-invented technology. 90% of the world's microturbines aremanufactured right in the United States. Additionally, microturbines can reach 90% energy efficiency.

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