Oops -- Is California Losing Our Edge in Wind Power?

August 02, 2006

Texas is now the nation's largest producer of wind power, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). AWEA's Second Quarter Market Report, released on July 25th, finds that the Lone Star State now hosts 2,370 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity, besting the nation's historic wind power leader, California, by 47 MW. According to AWEA, California has led the nation in wind power capacity since 1981, when the first commercial wind projects were built there.

At one time, more than 80 percent of the world's wind power capacity was located in California. Since then, the world and the rest of the United States have caught up to the Golden State.

AWEA says a total of 822 MW of wind power have been installed thus far in 2006, including wind projects in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas.

California is a leader...that we know. This is a legacy we can be proud of. But what's next on our agenda of cultural leadership?