More than 100 Illinois companies are employing a total of over 15,000 employees via a wind energy supply chain, according to the Environmental Law and Policy Center.
From old-line manufacturers who are retooling to build wind turbine components for the new clean energy economy to corporate headquarters for major wind power developers, to software, financial and support services, the wind industry means real business for Illinois.
"Long-time manufacturers across the state are retooling to produce wind power equipment and create jobs," said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. "We need targeted public policies to keep this business growing.
The report highlights 104 supply chain companies across the state as well as the 13 corporate headquarters of wind power businesses located in the Chicago area.
The report explains that supportive federal and state policies are key throughout the energy sector, and the wind industry is no exception. Making the current Illinois Renewable Energy Standard work well and enacting a federal renewable energy standard are important policies to drive more Illinois manufacturing of wind turbine components, corporate headquarters and professional services.
To download a copy of the report, visit www.elpc.org/windreport
