Wind energy officials are hoping Congress approves tax extenders legislation including the production tax credit for wind projects before the end of the year. And Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has written Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch asking for fair consideration for that provision when it comes up as part of the tax extenders package. South Dakota Wind Energy Association Executive Director Paul Bachman says it’s important for his industry.

Bachman says while eventually the credit will be phased out, it’s still needed for developers although most of the benefits actually get passed onto consumers.

Bachman says certainty is needed for those developing wind projects and the wind production tax credit is a major part of that.

Bachman says it’s a good sign that Senators are already talking about the extenders and he’s hoping they’ll get moving on it before the end of the year.