The phrase ‘wind power’ made for a brief but powerful inclusion during President Obama's State of the Union (SOTU) speech on Jan. 20.
Obama referenced wind during a passage in which he highlighted U.S. leadership in several energy sectors.
‘We believed we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect our planet,’ Obama said. ‘And today, America is number one in oil and gas. America is number one in wind power. Every three weeks, we bring online as much solar power as we did in all of 2008. And thanks to lower gas prices and higher fuel standards, the typical family this year should save about $750 at the pump.’
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind power will be a key tool for states to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's first-ever proposed rule to reduce carbon pollution at existing power plants while maintaining an affordable, reliable energy system. In 2013, wind reduced carbon pollution by 127 million short tons, 5% of total electric sector emissions or the equivalent of taking 20 million cars off the road.
More wind energy was under construction this past year than ever before in America. According to the Wind Vision, a new Department of Energy report due for release early this year, wind could double from today's amount to supply 10% of the nation's electricity demand by 2020, 20% by 2030 and 35% by 2050.
‘As the president noted, America produces more wind energy than any other country in the world. We're number one,’ says Tom Kiernan, CEO at AWEA. ‘Hard-working Americans and successful federal tax policy helped accomplish this. By providing a long-term, stable policy, we can retain our number one position, keep well-paying jobs and invest in American communities.’
To read the entire State of the Union transcript, click here.
