Wind energy is helping fuel rural economies

Wind turbines near Blue Earth, Minn.
Wind turbines near Blue Earth, Minn., on February 23.
Mark Steil | MPR News 2018

The wind energy boom is doing more than producing cheap electricity; it’s also boosting incomes and home values in wind country. 

A recent study found local incomes rise by around five percent and home values by 2.6 percent in areas near large wind projects.

“They are [by] no means a panacea for issues facing rural communities, but they certainly, certainly help,” said Eric Brunner, a University of Connecticut professor and co-author of the study.

He shared his findings on Climate Cast this week. Click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the podcast to hear more.

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