Today, Representative John Curtis (R-UT) and Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN), members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce barriers on the deployment of wind energy to international partners.

“Most carbon emissions come from outside the United States, and a vital component of combatting climate change is the U.S. exporting clean energy resources and technology,” said Curtis. “The bipartisan Worldwide Wind Turbine Act does exactly that by bringing together energy companies and U.S. international aid programs to share clean energy technology with the developing world.”

“Climate change is real, knows no borders, and our communities and businesses are paying the price,” said Phillips. “I’m pleased to help introduce this bipartisan bill and urge my colleagues to join us as we prioritize clean energy projects at home and around the world. It’s time restore American leadership and ingenuity in the worldwide response to climate change.”

Statements of Support:

Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES): “Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) welcomes introduction of the Worldwide Wind Turbine Act, and we applaud Reps. John Curtis (R-UT) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) for championing this commonsense legislation that will use retired American turbine technology to support the development of renewable energy programs in developing countries. Wind is a critical component of America’s clean energy future and a driving economic force across our country. The ability for USAID to accept and use retired turbine technology will serve to enhance the global renewable energy portfolio, reduce unnecessary waste and unburden taxpayers from shouldering the cost of new turbines when reusable options exist. CRES looks forward to working with Reps. Curtis and Phillips to move America – and the world – forward through clean energy technology.”

Dr. Jessica Moerman, Senior Director of Science and Policy Evangelical Environmental Network: “Core to our values as Christians and Americans is to give generously, steward our resources well, and partner with others so they can thrive and prosper. The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds Rep. Curtis (R-UT) and Rep. Phillips (D-MN) for their leadership introducing the Worldwide Wind Turbine Act. This legislation will reduce cost barriers for developing nations to access clean energy while at the same time enable American wind companies to be generous global partners and good stewards of their resources. As developing nations grow in energy prosperity, they deserve the chance to choose clean energy sources and avoid the harmful health costs that come from fossil fuel pollution - this smart, commonsense legislation provides a pathway for just that.”

Quill Robinson, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Conservation Coalition: "Deploying clean energy technology around the world is crucial to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. As we continue to build out wind energy capacity in the United States, the Worldwide Wind Turbine Act will address the challenge of recycling older turbines and increase renewable energy deployment in developing countries. The American Conservation Coalition applauds this innovative policy solution and thanks Congressman Curtis for his continued leadership on the issue of climate change"

Background

The bipartisan Worldwide Wind Turbine Act would permit the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to accept donated materials to send abroad to developing countries to help lower their cost of deploying wind projects. 

Currently, wind energy production companies are investing in larger and stronger turbines due to the ramping down of wind energy tax credits. Because of this, many of these companies have perfectly usable blades that are currently disposed of in landfills, despite having years of reliable use left. Currently, USAID does not have a program to accept and distribute these valuable materials.

This bill simply permits USAID to accept donations of used material for wind energy projects to be deployed abroad, putting them to use instead of in landfills.

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