Wind Coalition Announces First Annual “Wind Champions”

Fast-growing energy sector shows appreciation to leading energy policy-makers 

September 10, 2008, The Wind Coalition

Austin – The Wind Coalition today announced its first annual “Wind Champions”, recognizing policy-makers in Texas who have had an impact on growing the burgeoning wind energy industry in Texas, which is now the largest in the nation. 

“Wind energy is becoming a major player, not just in the renewable market, but in competition with all energy sources,” said Wind Coalition executive director Paul Sadler.  “Our growth is a reflection of the vision of key policy-makers who have created a tax system that encourages growth, a reasonable regulatory climate with minimal siting requirements, and a wise renewable portfolio standard that is now a model for much of the nation.” 

The coalition issued several awards, including a “legacy” award for policy-makers that demonstrated vision and were principally responsible for the state policy that allowed for the growth of the wind industry; a “Champion” award for policy-makers who took a leadership role during the renewable energy debate, and/or filed key legislation to expand the wind energy marketplace, and; an “outstanding supporter” award to recognize the dozens of policy-makers who not only voted favorable on wind energy issues, but who took an advocacy role in encouraging the industry’s growth – such as supporting CREZ and issuing public comments in support of wind energy and support economic and environmental policies conducive to the growth of the industry. 

Legacy Supporters: 

Governor Rick Perry, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, PUC Chairman Barry Smitherman, former PUC Commissioner Paul Hudson, Senator Troy Fraser, Senator Kim Brimer, Representative David Swinford, Representative Phil King, and Representative Mark Strama. 

These individuals have shown a true vision for the development of the wind energy industry since its infancy. Their leadership has been critical on numerous fronts, such as the development of the RPS, the implementation of CREZ, and support for smart tax policies critical to nurturing renewable energy. 

“The legacy award is for those individuals who have staked their legacy on the development of clean, renewable sources of energy,” said the president of the Wind Coalition Reed Armstrong.  “In their own unique way, each recipient has been critical to the growth of the wind industry, and the thousands of jobs it is creating in Texas.” 
 

Champion Supporters 

Senator Kip Averitt, Senator Kel Seliger, Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Senator Judith Zaffirini, Senator Kirk Watson and Representative Warren Chisum. 

These individuals took a real leadership role during floor debate, and in introducing key legislation to help expand our wind energy production potential. 

“The industry had tremendous champions in both houses of the legislature who know the environmental benefits of more wind production, as well as the economic benefits for many rural counties,” said Wind Coalition Vice President Patrick Woodson.  “Their dedication to passing and protecting strong clean energy standards, and ensuring wind is a key ingredient in the diversification of our energy supply, means Texans can breathe easier and ultimately pay less for their power than they would if we continue to rely too much on expensive natural gas.” 

Outstanding Supporters: 

      Senators Robert Duncan, Craig Estes, Rodney Ellis, Kevin Eltife and Carlos Uresti. 

Representatives Alma Allen, Rafael Anchia, Doc Anderson, Dan Barrett, Leo Berman, Dwayne Bohac, Valinda Bolton, Dan Branch, Lon Burnam, Joaquin Castro, Wayne Christian, Ellen Cohen, Garnet Coleman, Drew Darby, Yvonne Davis, Joe Deshotel, Dawnna Dukes, Jim Dunnam, Harold Dutton, Kirk England, David Farabee, Dan Flynn, Stephen Frost, Pete Gallego, Juan Garcia, Ryan Guillen, Rick Hardcastle, Linda Harper-Brown, Joe Heflin, Ana Hernandez, Scott Hochberg, Donna Howard, Carl Isett, Delwin Jones, Ruth Jones McClendon, Susan King, David Leibowitz, Eddie Lucio, III, Jerry Madden, Trey Martinez-Fischer, Brian McCall, Jose Menendez, Elliott Naishtat, Rene Oliveira, Dora Olivo, Solomon Ortiz, Ken Paxton, Paula Pierson, Jim Pitts, Eddie Rodriguez, Patrick Rose, John Smithee, Joe Straus, Larry Taylor, Sylvester Turner, Corbin Van Arsdale, Allen Vaught, Marc Veasey, Mike Villarreal, Hubert Vo and Bill Zedler. 

These individuals not only voted in support of wind energy, but made public overtures of support for CREZ, tax incentives, renewable energy standards or reasonable siting requirements.  

“There are dozens of outstanding supporters of wind energy in the legislature who cross the philosophical and political spectrum,” said Sadler.  “Wind energy brings together the free market capitalists, the environmental advocates and the economic development officials who recognize it is good for both the economy and the environment.” 

“These awards reflect the fact that the wind industry is a major contributor to our economy, and our state’s energy needs,” said Sadler.  “We have achieved more than any state in the union, and yet there is so much more potential in a state like Texas with almost unlimited wind resources.  We look forward to continuing to work with these state officials and others in achieving energy independence. We appreciate the bipartisan support of so many legislative champions and regulatory leaders.” 

The Wind Coalition is the lead advocate for the wind industry in seven states in the South Central portion of the country.

Contact: Paul Sadler, 512-651-0291