Renewable energy standard helps industry

As general manager of TPI Composites in Newton, a manufacturer of blades for wind turbines, I disagree with Steve Milloy's Oct. 3 column criticizing Sen. Chuck Grassley for supporting Senate bill S. 3813, a proposal to create a national renewable electricity standard, or RES.

A RES would require electric utilities to generate a percentage of their power from renewable sources, such as wind. A RES would help develop predictable demand for wind turbine components. Iowa already has a similar RES in place and a nationwide policy would benefit Iowa, already a wind industry leader in terms of jobs and power generated.

As an Iowa business leader, working to grow our company and create jobs, I can tell you that a national RES is an essential part of a healthy wind industry. A RES will create demand for our products, and when demand increases, we hire more workers. This cycle of increased business activity is just what our nation needs in these uncertain economic times.

A robust wind industry also would help our country reduce dependence on old, troublesome means of producing electricity.

Grassley has shown strong leadership for the wind industry and for the environment. If the Senate considers a national RES this year, or in the future, I hope the senator continues his steadfast leadership.

Mark Parriott

Newton