The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today said that it “looks forward to working with President-elect Barack Obama and Congress on a new energy policy agenda that will encourage continued investment in this affordable, reliable and renewable resource”. The sector has posted its fourth record year in a row, despite the financial crisis.
“During the campaign, President-elect Obama spoke of moving America toward a new energy future by facilitating investments in clean energy and revitalizing our economy in the process by creating new, green collar jobs,†said Randall Swisher, AWEA’s Executive Director. “The U.S. wind energy industry is ready to work with our new leaders to help revitalize the American economy.”
The U.S. Department of Energy reported earlier this year that wind could provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030, supporting 500,000 jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as taking 140 million vehicles off the road.
To achieve this goal, AWEA said it supports a national renewable electricity standard, a long-term extension of the renewable energy production tax credit, a process to facilitate investment in transmission lines to tap the nation’s vast wind and other renewable energy sources, and meaningful climate change legislation. According to the organization, these measures are supported by President-elect Obama.
A symposium that will take place in Palm Springs between November 19 and 21 will discuss issues facing the industry in 2009 and policy measures needed to encourage investment in wind energy.
