Graves Supports Wind Power in Rock Port

Press Release

Graves Supports Wind Power in Rock Port

Commends Rock Port for becoming First 100% Wind Powered Community

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves attended the Wind Power Community Celebration in Rock Port today. At the ceremony Graves presented the City of Rock Port with a Congressional Record recognizing their achievement of becoming the United States' first 100 percent wind powered community.

"The entire community of Rock Port should be commended for their leadership in promoting American energy independence," Graves said. "With the rising cost of energy, we must be looking for energy we can produce here at home. Rock Port is an example for the nation."

In 2002 Graves voted to bring back the wind energy tax credits that help make the Loess Hills Wind Farm, which is powering the City of Rock Port, possible. Graves also voted to extend the wind energy tax credits in 2005 and 2006. Currently, Graves is a co-sponsor of HR 197, a bi-partisan bill that would extend the wind energy tax credits, which are set to expire in December of this year, for another 5 years.

"As a long standing supporter of wind energy, I am a proud that the first 100 percent wind powered community in the United States is in the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri," said Graves. "Wind power is a critical component of weaning ourselves off of foreign oil. I am committed to extending the wind production tax credits."

The four wind turbines that make up the Loess Hills Wind Farm, which power Rock Port, will produce 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

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