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The Benefits of Wind Power

Sen. Ed Walker misses out on some of the facts in his letter.

By Beacon Staff

Sen. Ed Walker misses out on some of the facts in his letter (June 4 Beacon: “Obama Energy Price Hikes”)

Montana is blessed with significant wind resources, capable of supplying current statewide demand more than 240 times over. Overall, American wind power already produces enough electricity to power more than 15.5 million average homes, and that number is poised to grow.

Growing wind can lead to lower bills for consumers. The top 11 states using the most wind power have actually seen their electricity rates decline, while those without wind have seen increases. Since wind energy requires no fuel, it is immune to the price shocks that often hit more conventional power sources, sending rates skyward. But wind’s benefits aren’t just limited to lower bills, either.

Already, Montana’s nascent wind power industry reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 170,000 cars off the road. Nationwide, wind power produces massive carbon reductions, to the equivalent tune of taking 20 million cars off the road.

Most importantly, wind power is supplying American workers with skilled, well-paying jobs. Wind energy employs 50,000 people, part of a manufacturing sector composed of more than 560 facilities in 43 states. In an economy still struggling to get back on its feet, wind power is powering an innovative and competitive workforce.

The facts best tell the story: creating jobs, cutting carbon, and driving our economy, wind power is helping to make our grid more diverse, secure, and affordable for all of us.

Tom Glover
Great Falls