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WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW MEDIA
CAMPAIGN AS CRUCIAL HOUSE FLOOR VOTE ON
RENEWABLE ENERGY LOOMS

Washington, D.C., July 27, 2007 -- In anticipation of a pivotally important vote when energy legislation reaches the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives next week, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has launched a major media campaign including television advertising targeted to encourage the support of 11 key House members for a national renewable electricity standard (RES).  The ads will begin to air on Sunday, July 29 in key markets.

An RES (also referred to as a renewable portfolio standard) is a market-based mechanism that calls for a set percentage of the nation’s electricity to be produced from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. More than 20 states have enacted successful renewable electricity standards, but a national RES is needed to fully reap the benefits of renewable energy. The amendment on the House floor, to be offered by Reps. Tom Udall (D. NM) and Todd Platts (R. PA), will call for a 20 percent renewable standard to be achieved by the year 2020.

“The ad campaign is part of our effort to focus attention on this crucial referendum on American energy policy,” explained Gregory Wetstone, AWEA’s Director of Government and Public Affairs.  “We believe that greater public awareness will translate into more Congressional support for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, which are overwhelmingly popular, but face well-financed opposition.”

AWEA’s television advertisement will run in nine media markets, expressly seeking support from 11 members of Congress.  The ad can be viewed on line at www.PowerOf Wind.com.

Studies show that an RES would:

• Slow global warming: By displacing the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, an RES can cut emissions of conventional pollutants and greenhouse gases.   A 20 percent RES would reduce carbon dioxide CO2 emissions by 15 percent below business-as-usual levels, equivalent to taking nearly 71 million cars off the road;
• Reduce energy bills: Energy research firm Wood Mackenzie found that an RES would lower natural gas and electricity prices and save more than $100 billion for American consumers;
• Create jobs: Wind and solar energy are likely to be among the largest sources of new manufacturing jobs worldwide during the 21st Century. A recent Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) study found that a 20 percent RES by 2020 would create over 350,000 new American jobs;
• Revitalize rural America: Farmers and rural land owners in windy areas are reaping payments of $3,000-$8,000 per turbine per year, while still being able to work their land. The “wind harvest” can carry hard-pressed farmers through difficult times, such as droughts, even if crops fail; and
• Strengthen energy security:  Domestic renewable energy can reduce projected imports of liquid natural gas (LNG) from such unstable regions as Qatar, Russia and Iran and reduce U.S. energy payments to these nations.

“This vote is a landmark referendum on the direction of the nation’s energy policy,” Wetstone concluded. “It’s not every day that Congress has an opportunity to save reduce energy costs, promote our security, spur job creation, and reduce pollution.” 

AWEA TV Ad
Congressional Representatives and Markets
July 29, 2007

AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association's membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org.

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