SpringfieldNewsSun.com

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — Wind energy development projects, like the wind turbine power projects slated for Champaign County, will not be immediately deterred despite President Bush signing legislation Wednesday that omits tax breaks for renewable energy resources.

Everpower Renewables, a New York-based wind energy developer, hopes other opportunities will become available after the president signed the bill that did not renew a production credit for renewable energy, said Michael Speerschneider, a project director for the company.

"Without those available, it would definitely change the environment in which we're working," he said, adding that the company had hoped other incentives would have been added if the tax credit was cut.

Champaign County is part of the Buckeye Wind Project, for which Everpower will receive up to $3 million in grant money, as announced by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in August.

Renewable energy resources are hard to gain if they are not given the same tax breaks as fossil fuels, said Amy Gomberg, spokeswoman for Environment Ohio, a renewal energy advocate for the state.

The legislation included some positives, such as setting new fuel efficiency standards industrywide for automakers, but it left out other important features, she said.

"Tax credits and a federal renewable energy standard both would require America to invest more in homegrown renewable energy features like wind power and solar power," Gomberg said, later adding, "If we want renewable energy, it needs to be given the same credits being given to the dirty fossil fuel companies."

The credits, which passed through the House but were cut in the Senate, would have been partially funded by cutting $13.5 billion in tax breaks to the country's five largest oil companies.

This report includes Information from The Associated Press.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0226 or nmorales@coxohio.com