Faces of Green Jobs: Wind Energy Provides Stable Middle Class Jobs in America's Heartland

In August, most of the GOP presidential field gathered in Iowa to autograph their names on a wind turbine to symbolically support the state's growing industry. For most of the campaign, however, the vast clean energy opportunity in Iowa has largely gone unnoticed.

Iowa has become a national leader in the growing wind industry due to its natural potential and early adoption of the technology. It stands to gain even more, economically and environmentally, by promoting wind energy in the coming years.

However, Congressional inaction on an important tax credit has threatened the industry in Iowa and throughout the nation. With the production tax credit set to expire next December, manufacturers are already seeing a cut back in orders and developers are thinning their portfolios. Wind companies need clarity on future investments, and a looming tax credit expiration hurts business.

So who are the American workers with jobs in the wind industry impacted by political inaction? The Center for American Progress traveled to Iowa and met Nathan Crawford, a Lead Wind Technician at Alliant Energy's Whispering Willow Wind Farm. We spent the day with Nathan and learned about the quality of life afforded by good-paying, middle-class jobs in America's heartland.

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[TheGoose428]

Why can't I get a job there. I guess cause I'm a roughneck. And belong on drilling rigs.

[Panglos]

These comments disparaging wind on the basis of cost are priceless.

The price of coal is not zero, and it's recurring. The price of nuclear materials is not zero, and it's recurring.

Now: what's the price of wind?

Once a wind farm has paid for itself, by virtue of eliminating resource costs over time, the rest is gravy. Can't say that with other, non-renewable options.

[kapie9969]

They built wind farms near me,even though most didnt want them,then they raised our electric rates.I would like to see salt based thorium developed as an energy source. It takes like 3 million wind turbines to equal one of the four reactors at palo verde nuclear plant here in az.Want a few thousand in your backyard?

[MrDirectlyME]

well nuclear energy is not in the green job topic for a cleaner enviroment, if you havent notice, it has its negative connotation with waste and security issues about national security as well so it isnt as easy as just jumping into something that requires lots of education and homeland security.

[willz831]

Pay Attention to the news much? Japan? 3 Mile? Chernobyl? and a "green" job will pay the bills.

[ibykus1981]

Why does anyone want a "green" job? Why not build something that actually works reliably. I am 100% for a massive expansion of nuclear power.

[Heather Bostian]

Are they going to charge extra for those who put out expense for install wind like they are in AZ for SOLAR , wake up Sierra club. !!! ?? . this is real and happening right this minute !

[shoshanabikemaine]

Beautiful imagery - and I really like the tag line at the end: "My name is Nathan...and I have a green job." I hope the politicians are paying attention.

[MyRepresentativeOrg]

When Wind Energy costs less than Coal, the development of new coal power plants will be less. In 2009 and 2010 New Coal plants built increased significantly - equivalent to 1985 build rates.

Please don't wait for tax breaks, please keep building Wind Farms. Perhaps you could sell Bonds at 4% interest rates. I'll bet millions of Americans would invest.