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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2009
Contact:
Julie Clendenin, (202) 384-3090
Shawna Sheldon, (202) 255-7541

AWEA JOINS 220+ SIGNATORIES ON LETTER TO CONGRESS
SUPPORTING NATIONAL RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY STANDARD

Letter Underscores Broad Agreement Among Utilities,
Environmental Groups, Manufacturers and Wind Developers on National Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) joined more than 220 other groups in signing a letter to Congress that endorses a national renewable electricity standard (RES) as a way to provide the long-term policy commitment that businesses need to invest tens of billions of dollars in clean energy, creating thousands of American jobs.

A total of 226 companies and organizations have signed the letter, which urges Congress to adopt a national RES this year.  Legislation introduced in both the House and Senate would require all states to generate at least 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

“We are writing to urge rapid enactment of a national renewable electricity standard (RES) to help the nation take full advantage of the abundant domestic renewable resources available for the generation of electricity,” the letter said.

Among the organizations signing the letter are wind developers, environmental groups, utilities, labor groups, construction companies and manufacturers.

“With the strong focus on the economy in Washington right now, it’s important for Congress to recognize the importance of the RES to our economic recovery ,” said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA.  We have seen how using more renewable energy creates jobs —wind created 35,000 jobs last year — and several studies have shown that a national RES will lower consumer electric bills as well.  A national renewable electricity standard is one of the most important steps we can take to encourage businesses to invest in clean energy and create thousands of new jobs right here in the U.S.”

A recent public opinion survey found that 84 percent of Americans support a national RES.  Later this spring, House and Senate committees are scheduled to take up energy legislation that includes a national RES.

A copy of the letter can be found on AWEA’s web site here.

 

 

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About the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):
AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 1,900 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.  More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA Web site:  www.awea.org.

 
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