Bipartisan coalition of governors calls for policy certainty for the wind industry to continue crucial economic growth

Source: AWEA • Posted: Friday, November 8, 2013

Washington, D.C., Nov. 7, 2013 – Today 11 governors from states around the country called for policy certainty for the wind industry to continue needed economic development from wind energy. Last year the wind industry was responsible for pumping $25 billion into the economy for new wind farms, supporting 80,000 American jobs. The governors in an open letter to congressional leaders ask Congress to provide the certainty needed to keep those investments flowing and retain jobs in local communities.

The letter, a copy of which is available here from the Governors Wind Coalition, includes governors from all over the country and both parties. They say that wind energy has been an important economic driver for their states and call on Congressional leaders to “support our states in the pursuit of economic strength, energy diversity and consumer savings” that wind energy offers.

Signers include:

Gov. John Kitzhaber (D-Oregon), Chairman

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, (R- South Dakota), Vice Chairman

Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee (I-Rhode Island), Former Chairman

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii)

Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Illinois)

Gov. Terry E. Branstad (R-Iowa)

Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas)

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-Maryland)

Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minnesota)

Gov. Steve Bullock (D-Montana)

Gov. Jay Inslee (D-Washington)