PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2011

Lincoln Electric Wind Turbine a Symbol of Ohio's Growing Clean Energy Economy

Project exemplifies Ohio's clean energy potential

Euclid, OH - Those driving East from Downtown Cleveland on Interstate 90 will see a new landmark has emerged amidst the industrial skyline of Euclid. The enormous 2.5 MW Lincoln Electric wind turbine serves as both a source for clean and affordable energy for the company as well as a symbol of their growing presence in the wind energy industry.

On August 23, Lincoln Electric will be hosting a dedication ceremony for the wind tower, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty and able to produce approximately 10 percent of the energy requirements for Lincoln Electric's Cleveland manufacturing facility.

Lincoln Electric personifies the transition hundreds of companies across Ohio are making as the clean energy economy drives our economic rebound.

The 116-year-old company is a global manufacturer of welding, cutting, and joining products, but recently they began providing products and services to the wind energy industry and now are involved in three-quarters of all wind development - generating $50 million in global revenue from wind energy related work.

Tuesday's dedication ceremony presents an opportunity to reflect on the steps made by not just Lincoln Electric, but by large and small businesses throughout the buckeye state that have made clean energy one of the few bright spots during the recent economic downturn.

"Thanks to our strong renewable energy policies and our highly skilled workforce, Ohio is quickly establishing itself as a worldwide leader in the clean energy economy," said Brian Kaiser, Director of Green Jobs and Innovation for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Ohio's clean energy economy is strengthened by a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that establishes renewable energy benchmarks for Ohio's investor owned utilities. This law, known as Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) was passed in 2008 with overwhelmingly bi-partisan support (128-1).

"Since its inception, Ohio's clean energy economy has grown by 7.3 percent even as the rest of the economy shrunk by 2.2 percent," noted Kaiser. "In the wind industry alone, more than 7,500 Ohioans are employed at more than 106 wind energy supply chain companies - the industry now employs more people in Ohio than does coal."

"Policy drives energy investments," said Kaiser. "Of the top five states for wind energy, all five have renewable energy portfolio standards."

"Recently, the American Wind Energy Association, ranked Ohio fifth in the nation for wind energy installations during the first half of 2011," Kaiser said. "The report also cited a staggering 517 percent growth in Ohio's wind energy installations during the second quarter of the year, the fastest growing in the nation - Ohio's clean energy policies are working."

This follows on the heels of two recent reports, one report by the Brookings Institute and Batelle ranks Ohio 6th in the nation for clean economy jobs, the other report by the Solar Energy Industries Association lists Ohio as the number two manufacturer of solar panels in the nation.

On September 21-22, Governor Kasich will be holding the Ohio Governor's 21st Century Energy & Economic Summit. This summit will focus on the intersection between energy and our economy - setting the table for the development of an economically driven state energy policy.

As policy makers begin thinking through the kinds of energy policies that will drive economic growth in Ohio, the Ohio Environmental Council suggests they start by looking at what's working - and putting Ohioans back to work - clean energy.

-end-

The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC is Ohio's leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use. The OEC has a 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success. Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, the OEC secures a healthier environment for Ohio's families and communities. For more information, visit www.theOEC.org.