GE recently kicked off a 28-day multi-state wind blade tour to emphasize the role renewable energy will have on America’s clean energy future. The tour will showcase one of GE’s 131-foot advanced technology wind turbine blades that will serve as a traveling petition signed by the public. The blade will cover 2,436 miles and travel through nine states during the tour.
As the country focuses on energy independence and moves to cleaner, smarter and more efficient energy production, GE believes the right government policies are key. Policy can help accelerate the creation of manufacturing jobs, increase investments and technological innovations that will lead to a more prosperous and competitive economy.
“Alternative energy solutions matter,” said Vic Abate, vice president of GE’s Renewable Energy business. “America has the power to choose a better energy future. American technology and innovation can create a cleaner, smarter, more efficient energy economy that will create more growth, more exports and more American jobs, but we need the right policy at the Federal level.”
The tour began in Aberdeen, S.D. and will wrap up in Dallas, Texas, in May as part of the American Wind Energy Association’s WINDPOWER 2010, the world’s largest wind energy trade show. In addition to Aberdeen, the blade will make planned stops in:April 28: Trinity Structural Towers – Newton, Iowa
April 30: Top Crop Wind Farm – Ransom, Ill.
May 6: Center of Science and Industry Museum – Columbus, Ohio
May 7: Clean Air Fair – Columbus, Ohio
May 13: GE Appliance Park – Louisville, Ky.
May 15: Louisville Zoo – Louisville, Ky.
May 19: Molded Fiber Glass Companies – Gainesville, Texas
May 23: WINDPOWER 2010 – Dallas, TexasIndividuals who see the blade at the planned stops will have the opportunity to sign their name on it as a pledge of support for a clean energy future and urge America’s leaders to support innovative wind policies. The wind blade will carry the message “I’m helping to build America’s energy future” to highlight the personal role all Americans can play in making this clean energy vision a reality.
“The rest of the world is not standing still,” says GE’s Abate. “China and Europe have already enacted robust, clean-energy policies that are driving technology investments and creating real jobs. Sustainable policy works.”
The U.S. states with the most wind capacity installed are Texas, Iowa, California, Washington and Minnesota. All of these states have enacted state level renewable portfolio standards. Wind energy provides about 2% of the country’s electricity. Last year, the U.S. wind industry supported a total of 85,000 jobs in all 50 states.
GE believes Americans have the power to influence how government leaders view renewable energy. By signing the blade, says GE, people will send an unmistakable signal to policy leaders that they want renewable energy to play a more important role in their lives.
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