Steelworkers, Wind Manufacturers Team Up

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

Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association and Leo Gerard, International President, United Steelworkers were joined by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to announce the partnership.

Gerard said of the agreement,

“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.

"We expect this framework will help advance the promise of green jobs being key to our future. The nation cannot continue to fall behind other countries on clean energy manufacturing. America must be a global leader and establish new manufacturing jobs. If we do not act quickly on this opportunity through federal leadership and industry commitment, we will have done a disservice to our citizens. The Framework Agreement is designed to create a Partnership for Progress that doesn’t accept second place, and instead, puts the U.S. at the leading edge of clean energy manufacturing.”

You can read details of the framework at the AAM's Manufacture This blog.

The two organizations are asking the Congress to pass a long-term national Renewable Energy Standard, which will trigger investment in renewable technologies and manufacturing.

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