wind energy | 88.5 WFDD

11:41am Nov 14, 2019

Environment Environment Politics & Government

Gov. Cooper Talks Up Offshore Wind As Part of Clean Energy Future

by David Boraks, WFAE

Gov. Roy Cooper says it's time to end legislative battles over wind energy and make sure it's part of a future clean energy system in North Carolina.
Christina Stella / Harvest Public Media

8:31pm Sep 10, 2019

National National

Unfurling The Waste Problem Caused By Wind Energy

by Christina Stella

While wind energy is marketed as the future's green energy solution, turbines last only about 20 years, and disposing of their behemoth fiberglass blades is both complicated and costly.

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10:56am Jul 17, 2017

Politics & Government Politics & Government

In Energy Bill, Cooper Faces Dilemma With Wind Farm Pause

by Neal Charnoff

Governor Roy Cooper may face a tough choice with pending energy legislation. A bill on his desk could force him to boost the state's bright solar industry at the expense of wind power.
Amy Sisk / Prairie Public Broadcasting

4:31pm Jun 22, 2017

National National Environment

The Rise Of Wind Energy Raises Questions About Its Reliability

by Amy Sisk

As renewables make up a bigger share of the nation's energy grid, some worry about blackouts when the wind doesn't blow. But grid operators say they're getting better at balancing energy resources.

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Courtesy of Lanny Copeland

10:18am Apr 10, 2017

National National Economy

'Brave New Workers': A Texas Cowboy Finds Fortune In The Wind

by Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi

What happens to workers when an industry collapses or a new technology takes off? NPR brings you stories of people adapting to a changing economy. This week: a former cowboy in the wind industry.

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Ari Shapiro / NPR

10:48am Mar 09, 2017

National National Politics & Government Environment

Wind Energy Takes Flight In The Heart Of Texas Oil Country

Texas leads the nation in wind energy, while wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing job in the U.S. The industry flourished under former Gov. Rick Perry, Trump's new energy secretary.

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Sarah McCammon / NPR

9:33am Feb 16, 2017

National National Environment

The South Has Been Slow To Harness Its Wind, But That's Changing

by Sarah McCammon

There are several reasons the region is lagging in wind energy — including lower wind speeds. But now North Carolina is home to the first large-scale commercial wind farm in the Southeast.
Lauren Sommer / KQED

7:56am Dec 22, 2016

National National Politics & Government Environment

Renewable Energy Sector Remains Optimistic Amid Trump Policy Outlook

Despite the fossil fuel-friendly cabinet shaping up under President-elect Donald Trump, renewable energy companies aren't as pessimistic as you might think. They say market forces are on their side.

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Terry O'Rourke / NREL

7:15pm Jun 06, 2016

National National Science Environment

Who's In Charge? Getting Western States To Agree On Sharing Renewable Energy

California has so much solar energy that some days, there's too much. One solution is to join forces across state borders. But in the West, that's sparking some not-so-neighborly opposition.

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11:09am May 27, 2016

Politics & Government Politics & Government

Trump Wants To Make Energy Production Great Again — Even As It Sets Records

by Scott Detrow

Since 2012, the U.S. has produced more oil and gas than any other country even as solar and wind power have also experienced huge growth.
Irfan Khan / LA Times via Getty Images

8:10pm Dec 29, 2015

National National Economy Environment

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind And Solar

by Chris Arnold

Congress has extended tax credits for clean energy as part of a $1.8 trillion spending bill. Solar and wind power companies say it will catapult the industry at a time when costs are already falling.

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Pat Wellenbach/AP

4:39pm Dec 21, 2015

National National Science Environment

Wind Power Continues Steady Growth Across The U.S.

by Jeff Brady

The wind power industry is celebrating a milestone in November: 70 gigawatts of generating capacity. Researchers say that's enough to power 19 million homes.