Yes We Can! Long Island 2012From the Daily Kos:
Over 10,000 megawatts of wind power (turbines) were installed in 2009, representing 39 percent of all new generating capacity. Total wind generation capacity in the U.S. now exceeds 35,000 MW. A decade ago, the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicted we’d get to – at most – 20,000 MW by 2020.
Without grants from the Obama administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – the stimulus package – many of those new turbines now cranking power out to residences and businesses would be sitting in warehouses. And many of the 85,000 Americans employed in the wind industry in all 50 states would be in the unemployment queue.
I agree a federally mandated "renewable energy standard," is long overdue. Would this require legislation or can it be mandated by executive order?
Long islanders should consider their own roof top solar systems. Rebates from LIPA as well as Federal and State tax credits can reduce your cost by up to 75%. I had a $39,000 system installed last December. My LIPA instant rebate was more than $21,000. After tax rebates my final cost was less than $9,000. My LIPA bill in April was a $6 administrative charge because my usage was a negative 30 kWh. So far in April my meter now shows a negative 75kwh. Go for it and become part of the local and global solution.