GLWN's executive director Ed Weston sat alongside key alternative energy industry representatives in Columbus this past November urging Ohio lawmakers to aggressively maintain the state's renewable energy mandates.

Weston's testimony before the Joint House and Senate Energy and Pubic Utilities Committee was an opportunity to speak out on the growth of new manufacturing business opportunities throughout the state as a result of Ohio's burgeoning wind industry.

Weston also spoke about Ohio's active supply chain and the vital importance that the state's renewable energy standards (RES) have played on the manufacturing marketplace. The direct impact of the RES, according to Weston, is helping Ohio's manufacturing base contribute to one of the largest wind energy supply chains in the country.

The RES, written in 2008, mandates that at least 12.5 percent of the electricity sold in Ohio come from renewable sources by 2025. The state is currently considering easing that requirement, which, according to alternative energy proponents, would grossly hurt the wind and solar industries and their supply chain members.

Weston pointed out that more than 174 Ohio companies are currently producing or selling products in the wind industry, saying, "Ohio has the deepest, the most extensive, and the best marketed wind supply chain in America.Ó He appealed to the lawmakers not to "unravel an industry that presents such a tremendous opportunity for innovative and forward-thinking manufacturers.Ó

Weston also presented GLWN's map of supply chain companies to the panel and provided several case studies demonstrating manufacturer success stories throughout the state.

"With the help of Ohio companies the domestic content of AmericaÕs wind turbines has increased to over 50%, according to the American Wind Energy Association,Ó Weston commented. "How much economic opportunity are we describing here? This year the total parts bill for the wind turbines installed in America will approach $5 billion.

"I am pleased to report Ohio is getting more than its fair share, and our companies are not done yet. It is this opportunity that has so many Ohio manufacturers excited about wind.Ó

To read Ed Weston's full testimony before the Joint Committee Hearing on the Alternative Energy Standard, click here.