The following is a statement from Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) on the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Staff Report on Electricity Markets and Reliability:

WASHINGTON, DC, Wednesday, August 23, 2017 — The following is a statement from Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) on the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Staff Report on Electricity Markets and Reliability:

"We received the U.S. Department of Energys grid study and reviewed its key findings and recommendations. The wind industry appreciated the opportunity to contribute analysis to DOE during this process, and we look forward to completing our review and continuing to work with DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

We agree with DOE that it makes sense to determine how a portfolio of domestic energy resources can ensure grid reliability and resilience. Wind energy contributes to the grid services that incumbent baseload also provides, and will continue to be a growing part of a reliable, resilient U.S. electric grid.

DOEs comprehensive report provides a number of valuable policy recommendations. In particular, DOEs recommendations to value essential reliability services, which wind provides; to minimize regulatory barriers to energy production; and to accelerate infrastructure and transmission development are prudent and will help continue Americas wind power success story. In addition to generating low-cost, clean, reliable electricity, the U.S. wind industry is expected to support 147,000 jobs by 2020, including 33,000 jobs at over 500 U.S. factories." - Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association


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AWEA is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. We represent 1,000 member companies and over 100,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, serving as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemispheres largest wind power trade show, the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Chicago, May 7-10, 2018. Find information about wind energy on the AWEA website. Gain insight into industry issues on AWEA's blog, Into the Wind. And please join us on Facebook, and follow @AWEA on Twitter.