USA - Steel Workers & AWEA Join Forces

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the United Steelworkers (USW) today released a joint 'Framework Agreement' to create a 'Partnership for Progress' in accelerating the development and deployment of wind energy production in the U.S.

“The Framework Agreement we’re announcing is the beginning of a road map to help ensure that our nation makes real progress in developing alternative and renewable sources of energy production on a scale that is commensurate with its vast potential," said Leo Gerard, USW's International President. "We expect this framework will help advance the promise of green jobs being key to our future."

In the coming days, AWEA and the USW will release a cooperative action agenda they intend to jointly pursue and advocate for adoption by Congress and the Obama Administration. That agenda will include policies such as a federal Renewable Electricity Standard and the extension of necessary tax incentives.

“Our partnership recognizes that, at this time of continuing economic uncertainty and while we are still in the early stages of development of the wind energy sector, support in terms of public policy initiatives is vital," said Denise Bode, AWEA's CEO.

A summary of the Framework Agreement is posted on the USW and AWEA websites.

“The Partnership for Progress is a good first step towards ensuring that American workers are at the core of clean energy development in this country. Only when we are relying on U.S. workers to manufacture the building blocks for renewable energy production can we put America firmly back on the road to prosperity," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), who has been in recent months a critic of the role that overseas companies are playing in the U.S. wind industry.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net