The ailing auto industry has many manufacturers in the Midwest transitioning to the renewable energy market, opening factories to build wind turbine parts and solar panels.
"The promise of wind and other forms of renewable energy has cast a ray of hope into an otherwise bleak economy, especially in the industrial Midwest.
'A couple years ago, there weren't that many people interested,' says Edward Wolking, head of the Great Lakes Manufacturing Council. 'Now they're just beating doors down.'
For those hoping renewable-energy technologies will save the economy of the Midwest, there's a long way to go."
The void left by the auto industry doesn't look to be filled any time soon by the renewable energy industry, but strong growth and increased demand are offering signs of hope for manufacturers.
FULL STORY: Can wind power save the Midwest?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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