Lake politics: Stimulate America?

Stimulus funds for wind turbines and materials for other clean energy projects should go to companies that manufacture them in the U.S., three Great Lakes senators say.

Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bob Casey (D-PA), along with Montana’s Jon Tester, introduced legislation to include a “buy American” provision on stimulus funds. The senators say more than three-fourths of $2 billion spent on wind-enery projects have gone to foreign companies.

“Stimulating” American – rather than foreign companies – seems to be a sensible use of U.S. tax dollars. But the New York Times asked Monday, “How ‘American’ should these jobs be?”

2 thoughts on “Lake politics: Stimulate America?

  1. The big question is are there American companies that manufacture all the needed parts? Is wind energy only cost effective if the government subsidizes by making you pay for it through taxes and inflation?

  2. Pingback: Lake politics: Stimulate America? | Great Lakes Echo | Politics Blog

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