May 07 - MARKETWIRE


Wind industry leaders and government officials gathered at the WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition to discuss America's energy future. Over the past year, the U.S. wind industry posted record-shattering growth, making the U.S. the world leader in wind generation. With the Obama Administration and the new Congress taking a fresh look at renewable energy's role in the U.S., WINDPOWER 2009 was focused on securing approval of a national renewable electricity standard (RES) as the key policy needed to continue the wind industry's momentum. WINDPOWER 2009 featured prominent national leaders, all talking about wind energy's role in revitalizing the U.S. economy, creating jobs and increasing our energy independence.

American Wind Energy Association CEO Denise Bode and legendary Texas oil and gas tycoon T. Boone Pickens were among those who called the RES critical for strengthening U.S. energy and economic security. Pickens is the creator of the "Pickens Plan," which calls for a change in our energy policy and provides a blueprint for reducing dependence on foreign oil.

To view videos of the show go to: http://www.awea.org/WINDPOWER2009/webisodes/

About WINDPOWER 2009: From May 4-7, 2009, more than 22,000 wind industry leaders, government officials, and business executives; over 1,200 exhibitors, including wind power plant developers, turbine manufacturers; and the full range of supply chain manufacturers and service providers, gathered at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center for the world's largest annual wind energy industry event. The WINDPOWER 2009 program included over 300 speakers and moderators, 170 poster presentations, and 50 sessions on leading wind energy topics organized into tracks with policy, business, and technical focuses. The WINDPOWER 2009 Exhibition was an impressive display of equipment and services from all links of the wind energy supply chain. For more information about WINDPOWER 2009, see www.windpowerexpo.org.

About the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA): AWEA is the national trade association of America's wind industry, with more than 2,000 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world's largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.

Dssimon Video Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=977818

Contacts: Julie Clendenin (202) 384-3090 Laura Stevens (202) 862-4372

SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association