Wind energy export bill signed in to law

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Nebraska ranks sixth nationally for wind energy generating potential, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Governor Heineman signed a wind-energy export bill in to law Monday. Under the new law, the Nebraska Power Review Board can sign off on wind energy operations that would export power from the state.

Heineman says the new law will create jobs and grow the state's wind power industry. He says last year, the state's current wind energy generation produced enough electricity to power 46,500 homes.

The AWEA says Nebraska is 24th nationally in actual production of electricity from wind. Iowa ranks second nationwide for wind energy production.