Resolution: Support for the 2009 Annual AWEA Windpower Conference in Chicago
Adopted on February 24, 2009

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Whereas, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) will hold its annual Windpower Conference in Chicago, Illinois, on May 4-7 of 2009; and

Whereas, the Windpower 2009 Conference and Exhibition is the largest annual wind conference and exhibition in the world featuring more than 13,000 attendees and over 700 exhibitors; and

Whereas, each year, wind energy professionals gather at this event to learn about the latest industry developments and technologies, review new products and services, and network with leading industry decisionmakers in order to promote wind energy; and

Whereas, member states and provinces of the Great Lakes Commission are among the nation’s leaders in the production of clean renewable energy; and

Whereas, wind power contributed 68 percent of all new electric power generating capacity in the Great Lakes states in 2007; up from 24 percent in 2006, 6 percent in 2005, and 1.2 percent in 2000-2004; and

Whereas, a technical report by the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that by achieving a 20 percent wind contribution to the U.S. electrical supply by 2030, the Great Lakes states would conserve more than 616 billion gallons of water and generate $79 billion in economic output; and

Whereas, the U.S. Department of Energy report further shows by achieving a 20 percent wind contribution to U.S. electrical supply by 2030, the Great Lakes states would reduce carbon emissions by 1.2 billion tons; and

Whereas, in 2007, Illinois ranked third among all states in newly installed wind power; and

Whereas, 9 of the 10 Great Lakes jurisdictions have adopted renewable energy portfolio standards or equivalent policies that support the development of clean energy, including wind.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission supports AWEA and the State of Illinois in their efforts to promote wind energy through the 2009 Windpower Conference as a clean, viable, and important economic component of the nation’s energy portfolio.

Adopted at the 2009 Seminnual Meeting of the Great Lakes Commission, Washington, D.C., Feb. 23-24, 2009.