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Headwinds for Wind Power
ResumeFor decades, every time green energy got a foothold, a drop in oil prices or a change in tax policy would knock it down again.
Last year, with oil prices at $140 a barrel, the future looked glorious for green energy. Now, oil’s back at a fraction of that. The economy’s in the dumps. Future, unclear.
This hour, On Point: We’ll look at the struggles of one Iowa wind turbine plant, and what they tell us about taking American energy green.
You can join the conversation. Tell us what you think — here on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.Guests:
James Dehlsen, founder and chairman of Clipper Windpower. He has been working in the wind-turbine industry since 1980.
Jeffrey Ball, environmental editor and Power Shift columnist for The Wall Street Journal, where he has been writing about energy and the environment for more than a decade. His latest column is “Alternative Energy’s Fortunes Shift with the Winds."
Chet Culver, governor of Iowa. A Democrat, he took office in 2007 and is an outspoken advocate of wind power.
This program aired on May 11, 2009.