Capitol Connection

AWEA Annual Wind Energy Industry Report Reflects Strong Growth in 2008, Dramatic Increase in Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, Apr. 12, 2009 - Wind energy leaders in several categories maintained their #1 positions even as other leaders emerged in new categories, while 24 states saw new wind turbine and component manufacturing facilities opened, expanded or announced in 2008, according to the annual wind energy industry rankings report released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

The new listings, based on 2008 year-end numbers, show Texas leading in wind capacity and largest wind farms installed, Minnesota and Iowa both generating over 7% of their electricity from wind, and Indiana as the state with the fastest growth in wind on a percentage basis.

In company rankings, NextEra Energy Resources (formerly FPL Energy) continues to lead in wind farm ownership; GE Energy remained the wind turbine maker with the largest amount of new capacity installed, and Xcel Energy again leads investor-owned utilities in wind power. Wind power’s recent growth has also accelerated investment in manufacturing: wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded more than 55 facilities in 2008 alone, spanning 24 states from Alabama to Wisconsin.

“The wind energy industry today generates not only clean energy for our economy, but also hope and opportunity for American workers and businesses,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Whether it is building or maintaining a wind project, or producing wind turbine components, you’ll find people employed in wind power in nearly all 50 states today,” Bode said.

“But we cannot rest on past achievements. We need the right policies in place for our industry to maintain its momentum. A national Renewable Electricity Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, is vital to provide the long-term, U.S.-wide commitment businesses need to invest tens of billions of dollars in clean energy installations and manufacturing facilities, and create hundreds of thousands of American jobs,” Bode said.

American Clean Energy and Security Act Draft Released

WASHINGTON, Mar. 31, 2009 - Just days after Earth Hour, when millions of Americans called for action on climate change by turning off their lights, legislation has been introduced in a first step toward strong climate bill. The American Clean Energy and Security Act, released on March 31, 2009, in draft form by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA). This is a major first step toward a strong cap and trade bill that will cut emissions, jumpstart a new clean energy economy, and strengthen the ability of the Obama administration to negotiate a fair and effective global climate deal this December in Copenhagen.

This past Saturday, millions of Americans joined with people from every corner of the planet in casting a decisive vote for action on climate change by turning off their lights for Earth Hour. As hundreds of cities and towns as well as major iconic landmarks went dark across the U.S., a strong message was sent to our leaders in Washington that the American people are demanding action to address the climate crisis.

This is a strong draft bill that addresses the key elements of a global solution to the climate crisis. The draft bill recognizes the need to reduce emissions globally by promoting clean technology cooperation and providing incentives for reducing tropical deforestation. Emissions associated with the destruction of forests account for roughly 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions each year – more than the combined emissions of every automobile, train and plane on the planet.