The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has kicked off American Wind Week 2020, the fourth annual national celebration of U.S. wind energy leadership. During American Wind Week, AWEA, its 1,000+ members and the thousands of diverse U.S. wind supporters highlight the many ways wind is helping build the future.
“After a decade of significant growth, wind power last year became the U.S.’ number one source of renewable energy. During this year’s American Wind Week, we celebrate the more than 120,000 Americans working in the wind industry, as well as all the wind champions across the country that helped make this achievement possible,” says Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA.
“This year has been one of immense challenge for our country, as we strive to overcome the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. wind industry stands ready, now more than ever, to keep pushing forward and to help our country build a stronger economy and a cleaner future,” he adds.
Wind power is operating wind projects or manufacturing facilities in 70% of U.S. congressional districts and creates jobs in all 50 states. Eighty-six percent of Americans think the U.S. should put more emphasis on using clean, renewable wind energy, according to a July online consumer survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of AWEA.
You can follow Wind Week at americanwindweek.org, or through social media using #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations placed on in-person events, American Wind Week will look different than in past years, with most of the events taking place virtually.
American Wind Week 2020’s schedule of special events run every day following distinct themes:
August 10: Essential Workforce
Wind workers are on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, helping to keep the lights on every day for millions of Americans. Electricity is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, and wind workers are there to keep the electrons flowing. Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury, and our workers are ensuring we have access to that necessity.
August 11: Economic Recovery
Wind is set to play a key role as our nation’s economy strives to bounce back from the damage of the current pandemic. Wind is creating new U.S. manufacturing jobs, wind technician is the country’s second-fastest-growing job and the wind project pipeline is at a near-record high. Offshore wind is poised to play a major role in the recovery, creating 83,000 jobs in a decade and launching a brand-new U.S. supply chain. Through this recovery, we can create a cleaner future filled with opportunity.
August 12: Wind Power Champions
American wind power dedicates a day to honoring its federal and state-level wind champions, who are making it possible for wind to build a stronger economy and cleaner future. This select group of bipartisan U.S. Senators, Representatives and Governors has embraced a forward-thinking approach to energy policy, allowing wind to become our country’s largest renewable energy source while employing over 120,000 Americans across all 50 states.
August 13: Community Investment
Thursday highlights wind’s nearly unmatched investment in rural America, providing farmers with a drought-proof cash crop and rural communities with revenue to invest in their future. We also give a special focus on the many efforts our 1,000+ members are making to help communities overcome the challenges of COVID-19.
August 15: Corporate Buyers
Businesses purchased a record amount of U.S. wind power last year and now represent 10% of all operating wind capacity in the country. These Fortune 500 companies, like Walmart, General Motors, Budweiser and McDonalds, are making the move toward wind power as they strive to meet sustainability targets and improve their bottom lines. Companies powering their stores, factories and data centers with wind energy is no longer just a trend – it is the new normal for doing business.
