Rep. Coffman (R-Colo.) has been named a U.S. Wind Champion for the 115th Congress by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) at a recent event hosted by Vestas Wind Systems.
Colorado is one of the country’s leaders in wind energy, ranking 9th in the U.S. for installed wind capacity — thanks, in part, to Rep. Coffman.
“I am honored to receive this important award,” said Coffman. “Wind energy is an important and growing energy resource in America, and I want to thank the American Wind Energy Association for its ongoing efforts to keep Colorado at the forefront of advances in renewable energy.”
Every year, AWEA recognizes select members of Congress who have taken action in support of American wind energy with U.S. Wind Champion Awards.
“Representative Coffman is a great champion of an all of the above energy strategy, which includes strong support for wind power and other clean energy technologies,” said Chris Brown, President of Vestas Americas. “With over 3,500 Coloradoan’s working at our four wind turbine factories in the State, we’re grateful for his hard work and support of the industry.”
Colorado is one of the country’s leaders in wind energy. The state is ranked 9th in the U.S. for installed wind capacity, and in 2017 wind energy accounted for over 17.6% of all in-state electricity production. Colorado is home to nearly 2,000 turbines and 17 wind-related factories that produce components for the wind industry. Wind has created over 6,000 high-quality jobs for Coloradans, and it also helps Colorado manage its precious water resource by saving over 4 billion gallons per year.
“Representative Coffman’s strong support is pivotal in forging American wind leadership,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “He supports all energy resources, ensuring American wind power and its workers get a fair shake. Colorado manufacturers and landowners have seen firsthand the fruits of his efforts with new jobs and nearly $10 million in land lease payments made every year.”
Earlier this month marked the second annual celebration of American Wind Week, following the emergence of wind as America’s largest source of renewable energy capacity in 2017. The U.S. is a global leader in wind power thanks to world-class natural resources and technological innovation. For Americans, wind power leadership translates to economic opportunity, homegrown energy, and clean air. A record 105,000 Americans across all 50 states work in wind power, affordably and reliably supplying over 6% of U.S. electricity while creating clean air benefits worth more than $8 billion each year.
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