Wind Power in the United States: Technology, Economic, and Policy Issues
"Rising energy prices and concern over greenhouse gas emissions have focused
congressional attention on energy alternatives, including wind power. Although wind
power currently provides only about 1% of U.S. electricity needs, it is growing more
rapidly than any other energy source. In 2007, over 5,000 megawatts of new wind
generating capacity were installed in the United States, second only to new natural
gas-fired generating capacity. Wind power has become “mainstream” in many
regions of the country, and is no longer considered an “alternative” energy source.

Wind energy has become increasingly competitive with other power generation
options. Wind technology has improved significantly over the past two decades.
CRS analysis presented here shows that wind energy still depends on federal tax
incentives to compete, but that key uncertainties like climate policy, fossil fuel prices, and technology progress could dominate future cost competitiveness.