Congressman Denny Rehberg

State of Montana

516 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC  20515

  

Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2001

           

REHBERG BACKS WIND ENERGY DEAL

 

WASHINGTON - Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) praised today’s announcement by Montana Power Company that it has entered into an agreement with Montana Wind Harness to purchase electricity generated from wind.  The agreement also requires Nordex U.S.A., a company that manufactures wind turbines, to construct an assembly plant and operations and maintenance center in Montana.  The Nordex facility is expected to create nearly 65 new jobs.

 

“This agreement holds tremendous potential for economic development in Montana, while at the same time helping to secure our state’s energy future,” said Rehberg.  “It is exciting to see Montana Power Company working together with entrepreneurs to create great economic development opportunities and new jobs.  The installation of a manufacturing facility in Montana holds tremendous potential for growing our economy,” Rehberg added. 

 

Rehberg, who is a member of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, is a cosponsor of H.R. 876, legislation that would provide a 5-year extension of the tax credit for electricity produced from wind.

 

“We must take the necessary steps to increase our power generation capabilities.  America is far too dependent upon foreign sources for energy.  While energy conservation is critical, we cannot conserve our way out of our energy problems.  We must work long and hard to increase domestic energy production.  This can be done by utilizing a variety of methods, such as investing in new technologies and developing renewable, alternative energy sources such as wind power,” Rehberg said.

 

In August, Rehberg traveled to Denmark with the House Committee on Resources to meet with various governmental and private wind energy groups.

###