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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change, was chosen for the 2020 U.S. Wind Champion Award by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today during the 4th annual American Wind Week. AWEA presents these awards to Members of Congress with significant records of support for the nation’s wind industry and who have demonstrated clean energy leadership. 

“Wind power will play a key role in our nation’s economic recovery, bringing bold investments in clean energy infrastructure and needed climate action to create a cleaner, safer, more competitive and more just economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “I am honored to be named a 2020 U.S. Wind Champion, and I thank the AWEA for their tireless leadership and support for all who are working to build America’s clean recovery and secure our nation’s global leadership in wind energy. I am personally committed to fighting for federal policies that will ensure wind energy plays a major role in our nation’s clean energy future.”

Tonko has advanced a number of wind energy priorities in Congress, through research, tax incentives, grid infrastructure expansion and more. Last year, he introduced H.R. 3609, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019, which would give formal authorization to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and accelerate innovative technologies, educate local communities, create more jobs, and increase economic activity in rural areas.

Recently, he fought to include critical clean energy investments as part of the major infrastructure package passed by the House in July, H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act.

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