Wind power industry touts strong growth

The wind power industry says new turbines are bringing a near-record amount of power capacity to the United States.

The American Wind Energy Association released a study Thursday reporting that 100 wind power projects with a generating capacity of 13,600 megawatts are under construction in 23 states during the first quarter of the year. 

{mosads}Three states — Texas, Iowa and New York — completed new wind turbine projects with a generating capacity of 131 megawatts during the first three months of the year.

Texas contributed to most of that growth, accounting for 110 megawatts, according to the AWEA. And it’s the top state for ongoing wind construction as well, with more than 7,800 megawatts of capacity being built.

The trade group reported that a handful of companies and electric cooperatives are signing agreements to expand their wind power use as well, including Dow Chemical and Wal-Mart. 

The industry’s announcement comes days after Rhode Island marked the start of construction on the nation’s first offshore wind farm and as President Obama is looking to expand renewable energy around the country.

The group says all the new projects are eligible for assistance under the wind production tax credit, which Congress let expire last year.

This story was updated on May 1 at 8:35 a.m.