An annual rating released by the trade group American Wind Energy Association says Wisconsin ranks 23rd out of 34 states. To be surveyed the states must be producing at least one megawatt of wind power generating capacity. Wisconsin has 53 megawatts of installed capacity, compared to the number one ranked Texas with a capacity of 4448 megawatts.
Commenting about Wednesday's report, Kathy Belyeu, AWEA Manager of Industry Information, says factors such as wind resource make for good energy. Belyeu says Texas has a good wind resource as does Wisconsin. However, Belyeu notes the Badger State's wind energy policy became a priority later than even nearby states.
"If you look at neighbors of Wisconsin that have a similar resource like Minnesota and Iowa, you'll see them higher on the list because they had state policies that promoted wind energy even in the 90's"
She expects Wisconsin's rankings to improve as new wind projects are in the works.