America’s energy independence hinges on the development of clean, renewable sources of energy that will reduce the dependence on oil, reduce dangerous air pollution, create American energy jobs and improve public health.

In Maine, there is enormous potential for wind energy production — both onshore and offshore. Wind energy tax credits, such as the production tax credit and investment tax credit, drive job creation and manufacturing in wind energy – an industry that produces clean, renewable energy and creates jobs.

The PTC and ITC for wind energy are set to expire at the end of this year. Maine’s U.S. senators have cosponsored legislation to extend those credits, with critical action needed by the end of the year.

Sadly, though, oil industry officials believe the nation doesn’t need to invest in or protect clean energy sources such as wind, which actually create tens of thousands of American jobs, even while the extremely profitable oil industry receives billions in federal subsidies — a practice that has gone on for more than 100 years.

Wind energy tax credits help level the playing field and have been key drivers in wind-industry job growth during the past decade. Approximately 75,000 wind industry jobs throughout the nation are in jeopardy because of congressional inaction on the PTC.

I believe the majority of Americans want clean air, clean water and cleaner sources of energy, and that they support wind energy jobs. It is time for Congress to get to work and pass the PTC/ITC so others can get back to work.

Ray Sirois, Harrison