WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) was presented with a USA Wind Jobs Champion Award for his determined support and diligent work in helping to create and sustain U.S. jobs in the wind energy industry and its manufacturing supply chain. “I am honored to be a recipient of the USA Wind Jobs Champion Award,” said Lucas. “Oklahoma is a leading producer of wind energy, and I know firsthand the tremendous benefits this resource has brought to our state and the much needed economic development this industry brings to our rural communities. I have always been a strong supporter of the wind industry, and am proud to be a cosponsor of legislation that extends the production tax credit for wind energy. I will continue to promote our energy resources that spur job creation and provide energy security for America.” Denise Bode, American Wind Energy Association’s Chief Executive Officer and David “Steve” Parr, site manager for Weatherford Wind Energy Center in Oklahoma presented Congressman Lucas with the award – a commemorative plaque and wind turbine bolt made in the U.S.A from American steel by the Dyson Corporation of Painesville, OH. “Congressman Lucas’ continued support of the wind energy industry in our state is helping to keep Oklahomans working and producing valuable goods all across America,” said Parr. In Congressman Lucas’ district, 925 turbines harness the State’s natural wind resources to generate approximately 1700 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough power to meet the needs of over 600,000 Oklahoma households. The wind industry supports as many as 2,000 Oklahoma jobs. Oklahoma is home to several major wind energy manufacturing facilities. In 2011 the State added the 5th largest amount of new wind capacity making it the state with the 8th most installed wind capacity in the US. “I want to thank Congressman Lucas for his strong support of American jobs and private investment in one of America’s fastest growing manufacturing sectors,” said Bode. “Congressman Lucas understands that wind power is creating an American success story, but this success depends on stable tax policy. With the Congressman’s strong support, we are working to extend American wind’s crucial Production Tax Credit and save tens of thousands of good American jobs in the wind industry.”