Wind energy development means (lots of) jobs (and $) for Nebraskans

[jpak]

http://www.imperialrepublican.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:wind-energy-development-means-jobs-for-nebraskans&catid=41:agbusiness

A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that wind development in Nebraska could create 20,600 to 36,500 short-term construction jobs between 2011 and 2020.

These wind farms are estimated to support 2,200 to 4,000 additional long-term operations and maintenance jobs. Assuming development and operations over a 40-year period, the construction of 7800 megawatts is estimated to add $7.8 billion to $14.1 billion to Nebraska’s economy.

Industry has already begun to develop. In Columbus, Neb., the wind tower manufacturer, Katana Summit, opened its doors in July and now employs over 100 workers full-time. The company represents a $20 million dollar investment in the community.

Neighboring states like Iowa and Colorado have rapidly developed wind energy farms. In 2007, Iowa built 341 new megawatts and Colorado built 776 new megawatts of wind. Both of these states are currently producing more than 1,000 MW of electricity from wind.

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[billyoc]

1. The Ironworkers Union has a call out for people to build windmills in NE already.

They're building them like mad already. :woohoo:

[Phred42]

2. We'll see

how many of those jobs go to illegals

[madokie]

3. better not be any

[izquierdista]

4. After they are built

Management will sell off tranches of ownership to Chinese and Indians looking for a safe investment, and the plight of the average Nebraska worker will return to 'normal'. Nobody learns.