Wind energy is clean.
Electricity generated by wind turbines does not pollute
the water we drink or the air we breathe, so wind energy
means less smog, less acid rain, and fewer greenhouse gas
emissions. Researchers estimate that wind energy in the
United States in 2013 reduced direct power-sector carbon
dioxide emissions by 115 million metric tons, equivalent to
eliminating the emissions of 20 million cars during the year.
An estimated 157,000 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emissions
and 97,000 metric tons of nitrogen oxides were also
avoided.10 Because it is a clean energy source, wind energy
reduces health care and environmental costs associated
with air pollution.