The American Wind Energy Association recently released their 2008 report, quantifying the growth of wind development throughout the year.  In all, 8,358 MWs of new wind generation were installed in the US during 2008, generating enough electricity to power over 2 million homes. 

As a result of these new wind resources, the industry created about 35,000 more green jobs and invested $17 billion into the economy.  Wind accounted for approximately 42% of the new power generating capacity installed last year.  The estimated environmental benefit of these new renewable resources is the avoidance of about 44 million tons of carbon annually, the equivalent of removing more than 7 million cars from the road.

This development brings the United States to a current total of 25,170 MWs of wind generation installed - enough to power nearly 7 million homes.

Visit AWEA on the web to view the 2008 report, or for 2009 projections.