which has received the 2008 State Leadership Award from the American Wind Energy Association. This is from a press release that circulated on the Iowa Renewable Energy Association’s e-mail loop:
“Governor Culver and his team in Iowa have been extraordinarily effective in drawing wind power companies to their state – in the heart of America’s ‘wind belt,'” said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. “They have helped launch a new wave of clean-energy-based economic activity in the Midwest, attracting at least five major manufacturers to Iowa through innovative policy and aggressive, pro-business strategies. We’re glad to recognize their leadership with this award.”
[…]Iowa is number one in the nation in wind generation as percentage of total generation, with 5.5% (1,271 MW) of its total electricity generated by wind power facilities. The state’s strong manufacturing base, excellent transportation infrastructure and skilled workforce have made it attractive to manufacturers. In addition, the Iowa Power Fund promotes the state’s burgeoning wind industry and provides a $100 million grant resource to companies and researchers in Iowa who are fostering renewable energy within the state.
This industry would grow further if we could get the Democratic leaders in our state legislature to pass an ambitious renewable portfolio standard (for instance, requiring that 20 percent of Iowa’s energy be generated from renewable sources by 2020).
The Iowa Department of Economic Development has been doing a lot of good things the past couple of years. It’s always nice when good work is acknowledged.
The full text of the AWEA’s press release is after the jump.
Christine Real de Azua, 202.383.2508
Stephanie Bjornson, 515.242.4805
AMERICAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION HONORS IOWA DEPARTMENT WITH 2008 STATE LEADERSHIP AWARD
May 29, 2008 – The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has chosen the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) to receive its 2008 State Leadership Award. Iowa Governor Chet Culver (D) will accept the award on behalf of the IDED during the WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition, the world’s largest annual wind energy industry event, to be held in Houston, Texas, from June 1 -4, 2008.
“Governor Culver and his team in Iowa have been extraordinarily effective in drawing wind power companies to their state – in the heart of America’s ‘wind belt,'” said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. “They have helped
launch a new wave of clean-energy-based economic activity in the Midwest, attracting at least five major manufacturers to Iowa through innovative policy and aggressive, pro-business strategies. We’re glad to recognize their leadership with this award.”“I’m honored AWEA has recognized Iowa as a proven leader in wind energy,” said Governor Culver. “Developing clean, renewable energy resources is among my highest priorities as Governor, and I’m so proud of the work done here to spur investment and create new, green collar jobs. With our incredible manufacturing base, ideal location and workforce, there’s no better place than Iowa to develop sustainable technologies to fuel our future.”
Iowa is number one in the nation in wind generation as percentage of total generation, with 5.5% (1,271 MW) of its total electricity generated by wind power facilities. The state’s strong manufacturing base, excellent transportation infrastructure and skilled workforce have made it attractive to manufacturers. In addition, the Iowa Power Fund promotes the state’s burgeoning wind industry and provides a $100 million grant resource to companies and researchers in Iowa who are fostering renewable energy within the state.
About WINDPOWER
The WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition will be the world’s largest annual wind energy industry event. More than 10,000 wind industry leaders,
policymakers and energy professionals will be in attendance. There will be over 770 exhibitors, including wind power plant developers, turbine
manufacturers, and the full range of supply chain manufacturers. Gathering in Texas, the nation’s number one market for wind power, attendees will learn about industry successes as well as actions needed to expand wind’s contribution to 20% of U.S. electricity supply by 2030-a level that a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy says is technically and economically feasible. Texas has installed more wind energy and transmission infrastructure than any other state in the U.S. and has become a model of how to make wind energy work on a larger scale. For more information, visit the WINDPOWER 2008 web site at www.windpowerexpo.org.AWEA is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association’s membership includes global leaders in wind power development, wind turbine manufacturing, and energy, as well as a broad range of component and service suppliers. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org .