U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has been named a U.S. Wind Champion for the 115th Congress by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
AWEA is presenting U.S. Wind Champion awards to select members of the 115th Congress who have taken action in support of American wind energy. The award ceremony is a highlight of American Wind Week, running Aug. 5-11.
“It’s an honor to receive this award from America’s leading wind energy advocates. Wind is a critical part of our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy. It creates thousands of jobs, generates billions of dollars across Iowa and the nation, it’s safe for the environment, and it helps ensure American energy independence,” Grassley says. “Wind is an efficient, cost-effective energy alternative. I’m proud to support wind energy, and I’ll continue to do what I can in the Senate to help it grow and flourish.”
“The customers and communities we serve directly benefit from wind,” adds Patricia Kampling, chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy, which hosted the event at which Grassley received the award. “In Iowa, we’re spending around $2 billion on new wind through 2020 that will provide economic benefits for decades to come. We thank Senator Grassley for his leadership in growing Iowa’s wind energy economy.”
Last year, notes AWEA, wind farms generated 37% of the electricity produced in Iowa – representing a larger share than in any other state. There are currently 8,000 Iowa wind workers, and the state’s wind industry represents over $14.2 billion in private investment, according to AWEA. Wind energy is also a new drought-proof cash crop for Iowa farmers, with land lease payments totaling $20 million to $25 million each year.
“Senator Grassley is known to many as ‘the father of wind energy,’” notes Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “His vision and decades of tireless support for America’s wind workers forged wind power into a major pillar of U.S. energy production, Iowa’s economy and rural communities across the nation. Our industry is honored to recognize Senator Grassley as an outstanding Wind Champion.”
