The opening session of the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) WINDPOWER 2012 Conference & Exhibition focused heavily on the imminent expiration of the federal production tax credit (PTC) - the No. 1 threat facing the U.S. wind energy industry.

The session featured Govs. Mike Beebe, D-Ark., and Sam Brownback, R- Kan., as well as influential supporters such as Heather Zichal, deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate change - all of whom stressed the importance of extending the PTC.

Beebe told attendees how wind power manufacturing helped stabilize his state's economy during the economic downturn.

"I've got a big stake in... [continue via Web link]