Wind Power in the Empire State

Surging energy prices and a commitment from Gov. George Pataki to increase production of renewable energy to 25 percent by 2013 have caused New York to increasingly look toward wind power for its energy needs.

With millions in funding from federal and state agencies – such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority – wind farms have been popping up throughout rural New York. A total of 5,200 megawatts of new wind capacity have been proposed, which would result in thousands of new of new turbines.

New York has massive potential for wind energy, with an estimated 10,000 megawatts able to be harvested, particularly by the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. Electricity from wind power will replace dirtier sources and could significantly reduce production of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas.