Wind energy group releases first 2016 endorsement

An Iowa Republican is the first member to receive the backing of a new wind energy political organization. 

American Wind Action (AWA) on Tuesday endorsed Rep. David Young (R-Iowa) for reelection, saying he “has seen first-hand the economic and environmental benefits that wind investments have brought to his state.”

{mosads}The group is also putting $200,000 behind radio and digital ads supporting Young, saying he “is using wind to make life better for the next generation of Iowa families.”

Young, a first-term congressman, represents southwestern Iowa, a state that produces the second-most wind power in the United States, behind Texas. His race is considered a toss-up by top prognosticators. 

“Wind energy has appeal across the political spectrum and support for wind energy development is a non-partisan issue,” said Sam Enfield and Jeff Clark, two members of the AWA board of directors, in a statement. 

“We are supporting candidates, regardless of the letter next to their names, who support bringing cleaner, cheaper, homegrown energy to America. David’s got it right in Iowa.”

The AWA launched in June with three industry officials at the helm. The group is looking to spend at least $1 million on federal races around the country, with a focus on “working to identify and activate supporters of wind energy to encourage action from their elected officials, and we will educate the public about the actions and positions those officials take on wind energy,” the group said then.