The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has named the recipients of its 2009 Awards, honoring wind industry leaders, advocates and others for their outstanding efforts on behalf of wind energy. The winners will be recognized during the WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition, May 4-7 in Chicago.
The 2009 AWEA award winners were recognized in the following categories:
– Outstanding Contribution to the Wind Industry/Industry Person of the Year: T. Boone Pickens, who has moved the wind industry forward through his vision and leadership. Pickens's public campaign has helped increase recognition of wind energy as a mainstream energy option.
– Lifetime Achievement: Randy Swisher, AWEA, who has been involved with renewable energy advocacy since 1975, when he served as executive director of the D.C. Public Interest Research Group. Swisher was the executive director of AWEA from 1989 until 2008.
– Special Achievement: American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) team, which includes Wayne Walker, Abby Arnold, Laurie Jodziewicz, Tom Weis, John Rogers, Ron Helinski and Jim Walker. AWWI facilitates timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat.
– State Leadership: Paul Hudson and Barry Smitherman from the Public Utilities Commission of Texas. Hudson's and Smitherman's pioneering renewable energy zone policy for proactive transmission development and their commitment to successful implementation has made Texas a leader for the rest of the nation in making transmission for renewable energy a reality.
– Achievement in Operations: Gary LeMoine of Iberdrola, who is part of AWEA's safety committee and has made tireless efforts and contributions to the industry.
– Commercial Achievement: 3Tier, which has made contributions to the wind industry through the development and public offering of the FirstLook Web site, a free online tool providing wind and solar prospect and assessment data for developers, manufacturers, and landowners.
– Outstanding Contribution to the Small Wind Industry: Andy Kruse of Southwest Windpower, who serves as chair of the small wind turbine committee.
SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association
