Regional Issues
Right now, Illinois is a wind energy leader
The state ranks second in the nation for careers in the wind industry with over 5,000 Illinoisans employed and is home to 25 manufacturing plants.
With over 2,285 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity installed, wind powers the equivalent of over 500,000 Illinois homes.
Only about 1% of the windy land in Illinois has been used for wind farms so far. The state could be a leader in wind power for years to come with the right policies.
What the Future Holds for Illinois
Illinois can more than double its capacity by developing over 3,200 MW of already permitted "ready for construction" wind projects, but the state's current renewable energy law makes it extremely difficult to build these new wind farms. In the absence of any revisions, Illinois is poised to lose these projects along with thousands of jobs.
In order for the state to be competitive and reap wind energy's full benefits, the Illinois legislature must include renewable provisions in the 2011 energy bill.
These provisions are two-fold:
Incentivize local economic development
Create a stable financial structure that guarantees long-term contracts for wind power
Take Action
Join us in demanding that Illinois takes the essential steps needed to guarantee its spot as a national wind leader.
