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U.S. WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY HONORS POLICY MAKERS, LEGISLATORS, BUSINESS, UTILITY, AND SCIENTIFIC LEADERS AT WINDPOWER 2006 CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Awards Reflect Size and Breadth of Fast-Growing Industry

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Whole Foods grocery store chain, national and state legislators, business and utility leaders, experts and advocates will receive awards from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) at the WINDPOWER 2006 Conference & Exhibition in Pittsburgh.

The U.S. wind energy industry is mid-way through a record-breaking year and expects to install 3,000 new megawatts (MW) of wind power by year's end -- generating enough electricity to power approximately 750,000 homes. The industry will meet in Pittsburgh for its annual WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition June 4-7, and this is its largest event ever, with over 4,500 attendees and 290 exhibiting companies.

"Wind energy is one of the major options for new power generation today," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher.  "The wind energy industry is delighted to honor policymakers, business leaders, advocates, and many others for their dedication and leadership in the development of this renewable energy source, which strengthens our economy, environment, and energy security."

The honorees will be recognized at the Association’s Awards Banquet at the Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Tuesday evening, June 6. Katie McGinty, Environmental Protection Secretary for the State of Pennsylvania, will give the keynote address at the Banquet.

The honorees include:

State Leadership Award
for extraordinary and tireless support of state renewable energy policies:

Governor Edward Rendell and Sec Kathleen McGinty of Pennsylvania
Representatives William Adolph Jr., Chris Ross, Michael Veon
& Senator Ted Erickson of Pennsylvania
Representative David Swinford of Texas

Congressional Leadership Award
for leadership in support of the federal wind energy Production Tax Credit, and of wind and other renewable technologies:

Senator Charles Grassley, (R-IA)
Senator Byron Dorgan, (D-ND)
Senator Kent Conrad, (D-ND)
Senator Jim Jeffords, (I-VT)
Representative Jim McCrery, (R-LA)

Wind Energy Advocacy Award
for outstanding leadership and support of wind power through effective advocacy:

Beth Soholt, Wind on the Wires

Outstanding Achievement in Operations Award
in recognition of years of outstanding dedication to the sound development and operation of wind power generation:

Tad Miller, enXco

Lifetime Achievement Award
in recognition of years of outstanding industry leadership and support:

Hal Romanowitz, Oak Creek Energy Systems, Inc.

Technical Achievement Award
for exceptional expertise and leadership in wind turbine direct drive and power electronics:

Jeff Petter, Northern Power Systems

Special Achievement Award
for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of wind power by the electric power sector:

Charlie Smith, Utility Wind Integration Group

in recognition of outstanding leadership and the promotion of green power and renewable energy:

Whole Foods Market (award will be accepted by Ken Letherer, regional green mission task force leader)

Special Achievement Award (continued)
for providing outstanding leadership and representation for the industry in its work on environmental issues:

Sam Enfield, PPM Energy Atlantic Renewable

for gifted leadership of the U.S. IEC Technical Advisory Group on national and international wind turbine standards development:

Craig Hansen, Windward Engineering LLC

Utility Leadership Award
for an outstanding leadership role in the increasing utilization of wind power by the electric utility industry:

Puget Sound Energy

Academic Achievement Award
for outstanding research and leadership in the wind energy program at the University of Massachusetts:

James Manwell, and the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory at the

University of Massachusetts

MARKET MAKER AWARD
for significant advances in the development of the green power market through its GreenChoice program:

Austin Energy

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