Wind Information

Wind energy is one of the world’s fastest growing sources of electricity. Many experts agree that wind power can supply 20% of America's electricity by 2030; however, currently the United States produces less than 1% of its electricity from wind resources. Scientists, political leaders, and wind developers are increasing the scope, scale, and speed of wind energy development through advances in technology, the passage of renewable energy legislation and financial incentives, and dedication to growing the industry. These are among the manifold factors driving tremendous growth in the wind industry in the past decade.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

So far, state legislation has been among the most important drivers of wind energy growth. This legislation includes but isn't limited to: renewable energy standards (RPS) for utilities, tax credits, community-based energy development (C-BED) tariffs, and sales and property tax exemptions. As of March 2009, twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have RPS laws and several have recently increased their requirements due to the success of the policy and concern for global warming.

Wind Development in the Midwest and Plains States

By the end of 2008, Iowa surpassed both Minnesota and California for installed wind energy capacity, climbing into second place (trailing only Texas with 7116 MW) in the country with 2790 MW installed. Minnesota (1752 MW) and Colorado (1068 MW) are other leaders in the Midwest and Plains States. North Dakota still trails other states in the region, but more than doubled installed capacity in 2008 and is now up to 714 MW. Trailing closely is Wyoming (676 MW), followed by Montana (272 MW), South Dakota (187 MW), Nebraska (73 MW), and Ohio (7 MW). Over 8,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power generating capacity were installed nationwide in 2008, helping the United States surpass Germany as the country with the greatest installed wind capacity in the world.

In this section, we invite you to learn more about each state's wind energy legislation and about the social, environmental and economic benefits of wind power.