PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Dave Loebsack is named a USA Wind Jobs Champion

WEST BRANCH, IA, June 13, 2012 – Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) was today presented with a USA Wind Jobs Champion Award for his determined support and diligent work in helping to create and sustain U.S. jobs in the wind energy industry and its manufacturing supply chain.
 

"I am proud to be named a USA Wind Jobs Champion by the American Wind Energy Association," said Congressman Loebsack. "As we push to get us back to an economy that works for all Iowans, companies like Acciona, Siemens, TPI Composites, and Trinity Structural Towers are already helping to revitalize communities, provide good jobs, cut our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and reduce pollution. I look forward to continuing my work to extend the Production Tax Credit, which is very important for the wind energy companies in Iowa and across the country."
 

Joe Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Acciona Windpower North American and 10 of his employees presented Congressman Loebsack with the award – a commemorative plaque and wind turbine bolt made in the U.S.A from American steel by the Dyson Corporation of Painesville, Ohio.

"With the support of leaders like Congressman Loebsack, Acciona is creating good jobs and clean energy in Iowa," said Joe Baker, CEO of Acciona Windpower North America. "We need more representatives like Dave Loebsack who understand that wind power is critical to economic growth, energy security and a sustainable future."
 

After the award presentation, Congressman Loebsack toured Acciona Windpower facility and sat down with Baker and a few other employees to discuss their concerns about the Production Tax Credit and the job losses in the wind energy sectors. In Congressman Loebsack's district, there are 4 major wind manufacturing facilities: TPI Composites, Trinity Structural Towers, Acciona NA and Siemens. Acciona Windpower is the third stop in a month-long tour of wind energy facilities in his district.
 

The wind industry supports as many as 5,000 Iowan jobs. Iowa is ranked second in the U.S. in most installed wind capacity, exceeding California's installed capacity for the first time in 2008. Iowa wind farms now online power the equivalent of more than 1,100,000 homes.
 

"I want to thank Congressman Loebsack for his strong support of American jobs and private investment in one of America's fastest growing manufacturing sectors," said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA. "Congressman Loebsack understands that wind power is creating an American success story, but this success depends on stable tax policy. With the Representative's strong support, we are working to extend American wind's crucial Production Tax Credit and save tens of thousands of good American jobs in the wind industry."

AWEA is the national trade association of America's wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world's largest wind power trade show, the WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, which takes place next in Atlanta, June 2-6, 2012. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America. Look up information on wind energy at the AWEA website. Find insight on industry issues at AWEA's blog Into the Wind. Join AWEA on Facebook. Follow AWEA on Twitter