The federal production tax credit (PTC) was the subject of a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements earlier this month, North American Windpower reports (See our July 13, 2013, blog post for more information). Supporters of extending the credit pointed to the economic growth windpower has brought to rural communities, as well as the boost to the domestic manufacturing industry due to turbine production. Opponents said the sector has received enough assistance and should be able to survive on its own by now. Supporters countered that the federal government continues to provide subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, and that discontinuing the PTC is illogical in light of the support given to an industry that "long been mature and profitable," the article said. For more, read the full story.