Public News Service | Judith Ruiz-Branch, December 26, 2025 As Illinois looks to progress its clean energy goals in 2026, rural residents are speaking out about how past projects continue to benefit their communities. David Helper, a retired chiropractor and former member of the Logan County Board, said the county was an early leader inContinueContinue reading “IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains”
Tag Archives: Economics
Solar provides predictable income stream for farms
PV Magazine | Ryan Kennedy, November 19 Solar energy projects are providing American farms and rural communities with financial stability and a new revenue source, said a report from the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA). Modern farming is characterized by high capital investment and volatile costs for inputs like fertilizer and fuel. Solar development offers a steady, long-termContinueContinue reading “Solar provides predictable income stream for farms”
Opinion: Energy as Missouri’s New Cash Crop
The Missouri Times | James Owen, August 25 This month marks over two hundred years since Missouri’s first Constitution was ratified. Back then, agriculture, mining, and trade were the cornerstones of our territorial economy. While much has changed, one thing remains constant: Missouri’s land and natural resources continue to shape our economic future—driving growth, creatingContinueContinue reading “Opinion: Energy as Missouri’s New Cash Crop”
Despite federal debates, Nordex leaders celebrate reopening of West Branch wind turbine plant
Corridor Business Journal | Richard Pratt, July 2 Despite the ongoing federal debates about the future of renewable energy tax credits, representatives of Nordex USA were all smiles Tuesday as they celebrated the reopening of the company’s wind turbine production facility in West Branch. Production at the new facility, with more than 100 workers alreadyContinueContinue reading “Despite federal debates, Nordex leaders celebrate reopening of West Branch wind turbine plant”
Wind Energy Continues State’s Economic Growth
Building Indiana | Carla Dempsey, June 10 The wind energy sector in Indiana has been churning for less than two decades, but the industry is already producing major economic results for the state. Nearly $11 billion was invested into land-based wind energy nationwide in 2023 alone, according to the Department of Energy. It isn’t hard toContinueContinue reading “Wind Energy Continues State’s Economic Growth”
Southwest WI a hotbed for clean energy
Public News Service | Judith Ruiz-Branch, June 10 Southwest Wisconsin is seeing a surge in clean energy, emerging as a hotbed for large-scale renewable projects proponents said are economically benefiting the community. About 10% of Wisconsin’s electricity is from renewable sources. The industry employs about 6,500 people and invests $15.5 million a year in property, state and localContinueContinue reading “Southwest WI a hotbed for clean energy”
Wind energy projects provide local revenue | Opinion
Pontiac Daily Leader | Jeff Danielson, April 18 Illinois is a forward-thinking energy state. By being proactive and embracing cost-effective, sustainable energy sources, the state reaps substantial economic benefits and a reliable energy grid. Wind energy plays a significant role in realizing these benefits, contributing to the state’s goal of achieving clean energy sustainability. TheContinueContinue reading “Wind energy projects provide local revenue | Opinion”
Indiana is on the path to being a national leader in clean energy | OPINION
The Herald-Times | Nadia Cain, April 11 Affordable. Abundant. Clean. That’s the future of Indiana’s energy sector. With smart investments in an all-of-the-above energy approach, Indiana is a significant part of achieving American energy dominance. According to the State of Indiana, in 2023, the state was the nation’s second-largest coal consumer, after Texas, fueling 45% ofContinueContinue reading “Indiana is on the path to being a national leader in clean energy | OPINION”
Renewable energy can strengthen county infrastructure, public schools
Tama-Toledo News Chronicle | Paul Lovell, March 26 In a recent case study on the economic impact of wind energy in Howard County, I had the opportunity to work with the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA). The full report is written by Alex Delworth, Senior Policy Associate, and is available on the CFRA’s website. ToContinueContinue reading “Renewable energy can strengthen county infrastructure, public schools”
Preserve renewable energy’s freedom to flourish in Iowa with siting law | Letters
Des Moines Register | March 6 Preserve renewable energy’s freedom to flourish in Iowa Iowa’s slogan, “Freedom to Flourish,” promotes economic growth and local empowerment across the state but should also ring true for landowners and the renewable energy industry. Without utility-scale renewable energy projects, Iowa will fail to reach growing energy demands and missContinueContinue reading “Preserve renewable energy’s freedom to flourish in Iowa with siting law | Letters”