Wind Energy Update from AWEA

Although not without its triumphs, 2009 has been a challenging year for Americans, and for the wind energy industry as well. President Obama took the reins in January, inspiring the country with hope for better times ahead, encouraging us to muster the strength to "brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come." While the country has seen another year of economic instability and sky-high unemployment numbers, the wind energy industry has also experienced a year of ups and downs, and looks to 2010 with optimism, tempered by a business outlook that remains bleak.

Thankfully, the legislative year began with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided a desperately-needed lifeline for our industry. The wind industry is expected to install nearly 7,000 MW in 2009, thanks in part to $1.5 billion in U.S. Treasury grants that helped finance 33 wind projects across the country. The Recovery Act helped keep the industry afloat and enabled it to preserve many newly-created American jobs.

Congress also made some progress this year in the national energy and climate dialogue, though not nearly enough to provide the foundation for long-term investment and job growth the American wind industry needs to stay competitive with global markets. While the House passed a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) of 20% by 2020, energy legislation has yet to come to the Senate floor. Meanwhile, wind manufacturers are seeing few new orders, and layoffs are already beginning. We'll need your support in January to push the RES across the finish line and help our industry create thousands of new clean, renewable energy jobs.

Amidst the holiday season have been flowing headlines about the 15th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The American Wind Energy Association sent a delegation to highlight the advantages of wind power within the climate change discussion, including its ability to be deployed immediately and help reduce carbon emissions, while fostering economic development. The Christian Science Monitor got it right, reporting last week that on AWEA CEO Denise Bode's "list this Christmas is a strong statement or agreement coming out of both the climate summit and Capitol Hill committing the U.S. and the rest of the world to shift away from fossil fuels and put in place clear requirements - a mandate - to build renewable energy."

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