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Stories focused on energy & environment topics throughout the state of Kansas.

Wind Energy Tax Credit Divides KS Lawmakers

Wind energy tax credits help make wind power more affordable, and have boosted the industry in states like Kansas. But those credits are set to expire at the end of the year, and lawmakers from Kansas disagree on what should be done.

Wichita Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo said last week that the federal government supporting wind energy with tax credits is an intrusion into the economy. Pompeo says opposition is growing and he's arguing to let the credit expire.

But Republican Kansas Senator Jerry Moran says the credit benefits rural economies and helps move the country towards energy independence. Moran says an abrupt end to the credit would be a major disruption to the industry.

"I don't see this as picking winners and loser, as sometimes the allegation is," says Moran. "This is helping our country move in a direction that's a value to the country. I firmly believe that over time that support needs to disappear, but how we do that matters, and we certainly wouldn't want to cripple the growing industry."

Moran says he would support phasing out the credit over several years. There was a similar debate last year before the credit was extended as part of a budget deal.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.