Wind Power: Propelling America into the 21st century
Wind energy is putting America, our environment and our economy first. Wind has a long history of success and a bright future in our country. In 2016 wind took its place as the number one renewable energy source in the U.S.
Here are five big reasons wind energy will continue to propel America into the 21st century.
Wind energy has a long and successful history in America
In the 1850s, Daniel Halladay and John Burnham established the U.S. Wind Engine Company. Together they designed and built the Halladay Windmill– a huge leap forward in turbine technology. 
Historically, humans used the power of wind to grind grain, draw water and power machines. Today we can harness the wind to produce vast amounts of power for our cities, homes and businesses.
Wind turbines improve human and ecological health
Wind energy keeps our air clean by cutting down on pollution. In 2016, it provided an estimated $7.4 billion in health benefits by cutting pollutants that create smog and trigger asthma attacks. This could mean $108 billion saved in public health costs by 2050.
Wind energy is becoming significantly cheaper
From 2009 to 2016, the average cost of wind energy fell significantly. Right now, wind is the most cost-competitive renewable on the market, and it’s the cheapest source of new electric generating capacity in many parts of the country. In fact, costs have fallen by two-thirds over the last seven years. This means wind is comparable to traditional sources of energy production. Lower costs of energy production mean lower energy bills for consumers. Who doesn’t want a lower energy bill?
Wind is boosting our economy and powering our homes
The U.S. wind industry will generate $85 billion in economic activity through 2020, according to Navigant– mostly in rural areas. We have over 85 gigawatts of wind power capacity in America, enough installed capacity to power 25 million average American households. Another 25 gigawatts are currently under construction or in advanced development, so a lot more is on the way.
Turbines are becoming more advanced and are creating more jobs
Today, a wind turbine is built with around 8,000 unique components. With the complex and growing number of turbines in America, it’s not hard to believe “turbine technician” is the fastest growing job in the nation.
The profession will grow by 108 percent over the next ten years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. wind industry could support 380,000 well-paying jobs by 2030. Over the next few decades, wind energy will create and support a large number of jobs in both manufacturing and repair. Already, over 500 U.S. factories build wind-related parts and materials.
With falling prices, increased efficiency and a long record of success, wind energy will continue to propel America forward into the 21st century. Together we can pave the way for a cleaner and prosperous future.
