Northwest Defies National Wind Power Trends OLYMPIA, WA

(N3) -

Wind farm construction is down nationally, but the Pacific Northwest is bucking that trend. Nationwide, year-to-date wind turbine installations are down 72 percent from the same period last year. KPLU's Tom Banse has more on the story.

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The American Wind Energy Association tracks wind farm construction. The association's Elizabeth Salerno says the economy has taken a toll on her industry. She figures a bigger reason for the slowdown is Congress stalling on extension of a tax credit for wind developers. But Salerno says wind farm expansion continues at a brisk pace in the Northwest.

Elizabeth Salerno: "It's an active region and the reason for that is both Washington and Oregon get it in terms of policy. Strong renewable portfolio standards have been put in place in both states really sending a signal to all the different companies active in wind that the region is open for business."

Salerno says in 2010's third quarter Oregon added more new wind generation than any other state including perennial chart leader Texas. That leadership change may continue. Construction has started near the Columbia River on a new wind farm called Shepherds Flat. It's slated to become the nation's largest when it's done in 2012.

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