Wind Power Surges Despite Fossil-Fuel Lobbying

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released its annual report, and it was chock full of great news. The U.S. wind industry installed 6,816 megawatts (MW) in 2011, 31 percent higher than 2010, for a total of 46,916 MW installed in the U.S. to date. And more than 8,300 additional megawatts of wind energy are under construction.

“American wind energy is creating American jobs and affordable electricity all across the country,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode.

South Dakota and Iowa lead a record five states that received more than 10 percent of their electricity from wind in 2011. Seven states have at least 4,000 wind jobs apiece. Kansas tops the list of states for “under construction” wind farm projects.

Meanwhile, in the past five years, the wind turbines industry has brought in as much as $20 billion annually in private investment to the U.S.

created one of the largest providers of new American electric generation, with 35 percent of all new power capacity, right behind natural gas.

driven technology advances that have made wind more affordable than ever. A typical wind turbine now generates 30 percent more electricity – all while driving down costs.

created nearly 500 new American manufacturing facilities and employed 75,000 overall, including 30,000 in the manufacturing sector, from coast to coast.

That kind of solid progress can continue and even accelerate. But another banner year hangs in the balance as the Production Tax Credit for wind power and other renewable sources edges closer to expiration at the end of this year.

Right now Congress holds the fate of close to 40,000 jobs in its hands as it dithers over whether to approve this valuable policy for clean energy. AWEA, the Sierra Club, and other allies are working hard to move this critical measure forward.

Dave Hamilton, Sierra Club, sierraclub.typepad.com/compass/2012/04/congress-holds-the-fate-of-40000-jobs-in-its-hands.html