Sen. Heller (R-Nev.) was named a U.S. Wind Champion for the 115th Congress this week by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), together with Pattern Energy, a major renewable energy developer. AWEA’s U.S. Wind Champion Awards recognize select members of the 115th Congress who have taken action in support of American wind energy.
Senator Heller (R-Nev.) honored with the U.S. Wind Champion Award. From left to right: George Hardie, Vice President of Business Development, Pattern Energy Senator Dean Heller, (Nev.) Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA.
“As a strong advocate for wind energy and the renewable energy industry, I am honored to receive the Wind Champion Award from the American Wind Energy Association,” said Heller. “Nevada is home to more than 21,800 renewable energy jobs, and over 23% of our state’s total electricity generation comes from renewable sources. Our state continues to be at the forefront of national efforts to harness this country’s renewable energy potential, and that’s why I have consistently worked to advance policies – like the production and investment tax credits – that support Nevada’s energy diversification and the jobs and economic growth that come with it.”
Nevada’s first utility-scale wind project came online in 2012, bringing over $306 million in private investment and good jobs to the state. Wind power in Nevada has been a boon to landowners by paying out $100 to $500K in land lease payments and helping to fund law enforcement and local services, while saving 331 million gallons of water each year.
“Whether it’s streamlining the permitting process for wind energy projects on federal lands or creating a level playing field for renewable energy technologies, I am committed to championing solutions that will enhance our nation’s clean energy production as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy because I believe that renewable energy is Nevada’s – and this country’s – future,” added Heller.
“Senator Heller has been a staunch supporter of renewable energy and was instrumental in helping our Spring Valley project become Nevada’s first wind farm,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “Nevada’s leadership in renewable innovation will support a bright future for wind energy in the U.S.”
Nevada’s natural wind resources have the potential to meet over 60% of the state’s electricity demands, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The state could also produce wind power to export to neighboring states to help meet their demands.
Wind power became 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 percent of U.S. electricity while creating public health benefits worth more than $8 billion each year through avoided air pollution.
“Senator Heller is a longstanding champion of wind power and its economic benefits,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “The Senator’s work to build bipartisan support around renewable energy has helped unlocked the job-creating potential of our industry in rural communities and factory towns across America. We are pleased to recognize Sen. Heller as a U.S. Wind Champion.”
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