Since the Carter Administration, wind power has seen its fitful gusts of support from Congress but has yet to adequately fill the sails to move America’s alternative energy flagship.

The following audio clips are the opening statements of 5 high-level national leaders and wind power experts from the Windpower 2008 Conference and Exhibition held on June 3rd at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX:

Gregory Wetstone is Senior Director of Governmental and Public Affairs and spokesman for the American Wind Energy Association.

Our current energy production protocol may not only increase energy prices for both automobiles and homes but also externalize the looming concern for global climate change.




General Wesley K. Clark is a retired four-star general of the United States Army, B.V. Director and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and Board Member of Emergya Wind Technologies.

The overuse of natural gas, coal, and oil furthers concerns for national security, urged by Clark.




John Podesta is President and CEO for the Center for American Progress and is the former White House Chief of Staff.

Policy changes are stressed as the necessary step for a future with clean energy.





Jeff Goodell is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book Big Coal.

High CO2 emissions from coal and the carbon cap debate is the main focus of discussion.






Patrick Wood, III is the former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is the Principal of Wood3 Resources.

Two separate energy “jihads”, one against petro-authoritarian (oil companies) and one against coal set the tone for Wood’s provocative remarks.




Top photo by Bill Brown