Lawmakers Urge Renewal of Renewable Energy Grants

WASHINGTON – Large blocs of House and Senate Democrats are urging Congress to extend a cash grant program for production of renewable energy.

Seventeen senators and 81 House members made the request in separate letters Thursday – with the senators saying they’d have a hard time voting for a tax-cut package that does not include the extension.

The tax-cut package negotiated by President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans does not extend the program, and it’s set to expire at the end of this month.

The program provides cash grants for development in wind, solar and other renewable energy. The wind and solar industries see its continuation as key to their growth, arguing that tens of thousands of jobs are at stake.