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Wind Energy Resource Base and Incentives

- At the beginning of 2006, the U.S. wind industry has a total generating capacity of 9,149 MW.

- In 2005, the U.S. wind energy industry installing nearly 2,500 megawatts (MW) or over $3 billion worth of new generating equipment in 22 states. This represents a 35 percent growth in capacity from 2004.

- The wind farms completed in 2005 will generate approximately $5 million in payments to landowners annually and create skilled, long-term jobs in areas where such employment is scarce, as well as short-term construction jobs and associated economic activity.

- According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind energy facilities now installed in the U.S. will produce as much electricity annually as 2.3 million average American households use, and will displace emissions of more than 15 million tons of carbon dioxide (the leading greenhouse gas) annually.

- 16 states have Public Benefit Funds (PBF) for renewable energy that will be worth $4 Billion by 2017.

- 25 states have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Of these, two are voluntary standards.