Two new reports published by the Department of Energy detail the remarkable rise in wind power in the United States. Energy derived from the wind can now power more than 15 millions homes.
With findings that show the amount of electricity generated by wind and solar power has more than doubled in the United States since 2008, the 2012 Wind Technology Market report (PDF) and the 2012 Market Report on Wind Technologies in Distributed Applications (PDF) may help soothe those anxious about the pace of alternative energy development in the United States.
"Despite the good news, a statement put out with the reports cautions that future years may not display such strong growth for wind," writes Zak Stone. "The report expects that 2013 'will be a slow year for new capacity additions, due in part to continued policy uncertainty and project development timelines.' Things will pick up in 2014, but 'projections for 2015 and beyond are much less certain.'"
FULL STORY: This Wind Power Thing Is Really Happening

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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