Wind Energy

Governors endorse renewable electricity standard By Chris Madison (AWEA)

"We offer our assistance in working with Congress and the administration to achieve one of the nation’s principal energy goals, energy independence, and increasing the role that wind energy plays in meeting that challenge," wrote the coalition’s chairman, Iowa Democratic Gov. Chet Culver, and vice chairman, GOP Gov. Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island, in a letter to Congress. The group also sent a letter to President Obama.

The coalition includes governors from 29 states and has become an important group advocating for policies that promote wind energy. In general, states have been ahead of Congress in recognizing the value of wind energy–30 states, including the District of Columbia, have renewable standards, and many have taken additional steps to increase the use of wind energy and attract wind turbines component manufacturers to their states.

A national RES is considered crucial to create additional demand for wind energy, and attract manufacturers. A national standard will also make it easier for the electric utility industry to meet renewable targets.

The House passed an RES last year as part of the comprehensive energy and climate bill, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee included an RES in its energy bill.

By Chris Madison, AWEA, www.awea.org/blog/