Imperial Valley News

Sacramento, California - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement on Terra-Gen Power breaking ground on the world’s largest wind energy project, the Alta Wind Energy Center, in Tehachapi, California:

“California’s bold and innovative policies have made us a world leader in renewable energy, green jobs and environmental protection. Having the world’s largest wind project break ground in our state is tangible evidence that our pioneering policies are drawing investment, improving the economy and creating jobs now when we need them most. I look forward to seeing many more record-breaking projects like this one being built in California that will provide clean electricity and many more jobs.”

According to Terra-Gen Power, the Alta Wind Energy Center will increase wind industry jobs in California by 20 percent, creating more than 1,500 domestic manufacturing, construction and operation and maintenance jobs, and contribute more than $600 million to the local economy in Kern County. The Center will also increase the installed wind power capacity in California by 30 percent and conserve more than 888 million gallons of water annually. Generating 1,550 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 52 million metric tons, the equivalent to taking 446,000 cars off the road, and result in $1.2 billion direct local economic benefits over the life of the project.