Senate Passes Bennet-Backed Measure Supporting Wind Energy

Portion of Wind Energy Funding Headed to NREL

Washington, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined his Senate colleagues in support of an amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that boosts funding for wind energy. The measure adds $15.4 million to the $80 million already included in the bill to bring it on par with the funds appropriated in recent years. $30 million of that total is slated for the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden.

“Wind energy is an important piece of Colorado’s diverse energy portfolio,” Bennet said. “Colorado’s booming wind energy industry is strengthening our economy, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and helping decrease our carbon footprint. This funding will encourage continued research and development in Colorado and around the country to help boost the use of wind energy.”

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Colorado ranks tenth in the nation for installed wind capacity and the industry employs roughly 7,000 people in the state up and down the supply chain.