Many states projected to contribute significantly to the United States' 20% wind energy by 2030 goal have not yet achieved a first wind farm, and many more have not yet hit the 100-MW mark. These states are struggling with basic barriers of the need for understanding of the wind resource
wind energy benefits and impacts
economic development, water, and carbon impacts
issues such astransmission, utility integration, siting, and wildlife
involvement of key constituents such as the electrical sector, the ag sector, and county commissioners
effective policy
and an educated public and an educated workforce. Other states have partially transcended these barriers and are encountering organized pushback
NIMBYism
siting problems such as zoning, permitting, and environmentalissues
and interstate barriers such as transmission.