| 02/21/08 - They're controversial in Cape Cod, a welcoming sight in Seattle, and growing in number across the United States. New wind farms are being built almost daily. Opponents argue that the pure size of wind turbines results in an ugly skyline and a dangerous flight path for birds. Supporters note the environmental benefits of wind power -- it's clean, emission-free and renewable. Manufacturing companies, like Siemens, are admittedly enjoying the boom. So are the various ports that now receive wind shipments routinely. Farmers, whose land wind companies rent, say it is a bumper crop amidst agricultural uncertainties. Currently, more than 30 states boast wind farms and provide enough energy to power around 2.5 million homes, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Regardless of how wind farms are viewed, they are expected to play an increasingly important role in the coming years. In fact, the Department of Energy hopes to obtain six percent of electricity from wind by 2020. |
