Speaking briefly to a group of TPI Composites employees, wind industry officials and Newton-area business people and government officials Wednesday, Grassley discussed several Congressional developments regarding wind power, and praised the work force at TPI and Trinity Structural Towers for their contributions in assembling wind-turbine components.

“When I first authored an (emissions) reduction tax credit in 1992, I had no idea the extent to which this credit would be successful in growing this industry,” Grassley said. “We still have tremendous potential, but we couldn’t have made it this far without the work ethic and second-to-none quality standards of Iowans.”

Grassley was given a tour of the TPI plant before he was introduced by American Wind Energy Association CEO Tom Kiernan to speak with a finished turbine blade as a backdrop. The Republican senator took a handful of questions from the audience and from reporters before departing for another event.

“I can tell you folks are proud of their work,” Grassley said. “Because of our focus on wind industry, Iowans have cleaner air, 6,000 wind-related jobs, 12 wind-turbine manufacturers who make lease payments to property owners and millions of dollars kept in local Iowa economies.”

Grassley, making his first appearance in Jasper County this year said the five-year phase-out of some tax credits is a testimony to the success of wind power. He said there might be pressure to end the credits on a faster cycle.