Economic Impacts of Potential Wind Project Ban

This technical report outlines the potential economic impacts of a ban on wind project development in the United States, particularly in light of statements made by President-elect Trump regarding wind energy. The report details the current state of the U.S. wind industry, noting a recovery in nacelle manufacturing capacity following the Inflation Reduction Act, which had previously supported growth. However, the report raises concerns about the future of this growth, estimating that a complete halt in wind development could jeopardize approximately 50,000 jobs annually and eliminate over $14 billion in economic output. The report also references the U.S. Energy Information Administration's data on planned wind capacity and discusses the implications for local economies, particularly in states like Wyoming and Texas, where significant numbers of early-stage projects are located. Additionally, it highlights the potential for further capacity development under the next administration, suggesting that the economic risks associated with a ban may be underestimated.