HARRISBURG – Wind farms in Cambria and Schuylkill counties are among a dozen clean energy projects that will receive funding under an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits.
The U.S. departments of Treasury and Energy this week announced a $42.2 million grant to Highland Wind Farm, a 62.5 megawatt facility under construction in Cambria County, and a $59.2 million grant to Locust Ridge II, a 102 megawatt project in Schuylkill County.
“These investments allow Pennsylvania’s energy companies to move ahead with projects that not only provide clean, renewable energy to reduce greenhouse emissions and curb climate change, but also to create and retain family-sustaining jobs and expanding Pennsylvania’s green economy,” Gov. Edward G. Rendell said.
The two projects will produce enough electricity to power approximately 59,000 homes, the Governor said.
The grants are among a total of $500 million in Recovery Act investments announced this week for 12 wind and solar energy projects in eight states, the first round of grants in a program that is expected to provide more than $3 billion in financial support for clean energy projects by providing direct payments in lieu of tax credits.
The departments of Treasury and Energy last month announced the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit Program, which provides for $2.3 billion in tax credits under the Recovery Act for businesses that manufacture equipment for clean energy technology. For more information, visit here. Applications are due to the Department of Energy by Sept. 16.
“The Recovery Act is working in Pennsylvania to stimulate economic growth in the clean energy sector, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to air pollution and climate change,” Rendell said.
To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus is benefitting Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.