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Wind Energy Benefits |
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Economic BenefitsThe U.S. wind industry installed over 2,800 megawatts of wind generation facilities in the first quarter of 2009, bringing the total installed capacity in the U.S. to over 28,200 megawatts overall. The industry’s 2008 growth channeled $17 billion into the U.S. economy.At a local level, wind projects create significant economic benefits. During the construction phase, a wind project helps drive the local construction and services economy (jobs, lodging, restaurants, retail and construction services) and provides new state and county tax revenues. During a typical 30-year operating life, a wind project provides new landowner revenues, local employment, local operations and maintenance expenditures, and local and state tax revenues. Environmental and Social BenefitsWind energy is clean energy, producing no air emissions and consuming no water for energy generation. Wind energy is a valuable crop of the future for ranchers, providing new revenues, helping preserve a rural of way of life, and enhancing economic returns from the land to help keep America’s ranches intact. Wind energy is a compatible land use with grazing and other agriculture. Wind energy is a homegrown energy source that contributes to national security. Since wind energy’s “fuel” is free and sustainable, unlike natural gas and other fossil fuels, it helps stabilize electricity prices. Learn MoreTo learn more about wind energy, visit the American Wind Energy Association at www.awea.org, or the U.S. Department of Energy website, Windpowering America, at www.windpoweringamerica.gov. |
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