Last month, we covered Nordex’s revitalization of a long-dormant wind turbine factory in West Branch, Iowa. The facility will produce nacelles, which are the rectangular structures that sit atop windmills. Nacelles are crucial for the turbines’ operational effectiveness as they house the motor and generator. The West Branch plant will provide this key component to wind farm projects across the state while acting as a focal point for this sector’s domestic supply chain. In anticipation of the facility’s opening next year, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) recently visited the compound and touted the more than 100 new jobs that Nordex’s investment will create.
While on-site, Rep. Miller-Meeks aided the facility’s workforce recruitment campaign by giving a short pitch about the benefits of a career in clean technology manufacturing and singling out the “technician” position as a particularly appealing vocational path. At the West Branch factory, a technician’s annual salary would start at $56,160, and these workers would be responsible for the upkeep of the wind turbines, a role that helps to ensure the grid receives a reliable supply of electricity.
This visit can be viewed as a part of the congresswoman’s broader efforts to advance the energy dominance policy platform. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and as the Chairwoman of the House Conservative Climate Caucus, Rep. Miller-Meeks has championed an all-of-the-above strategy of power generation, which includes the proliferation of renewable energy projects. In a memorable congressional testimony, Rep. Miller-Meeks explained that she is “[advocating] for an all-of-the-above energy approach that leverages American innovation and unlocks the full potential of our diverse energy resources. By responsibly developing our oil and gas reserves, supporting the growth of renewables, and investing in cutting-edge clean energy technologies, we can enhance America’s domestic production, boost our economy, and strengthen our national security. This approach allows us to enhance the reliability of our energy grid and allows for greater flexibility in meeting the growing energy demands of our economy while reducing the risks associated with relying too heavily on one source.”
