It appears that the race is on as many states across the country vie for the winning position of “leader in renewable energy”.  The latest state to post an entry is Missouri. The state is turning to alternative energy to replace jobs lost due to economic turmoil that includes an auto industry near collapse. Several months ago, President Obama was in Colorado to sign the economic stimulus package and praise the state for its support of alternative energy.

More specifically, Missouri is pitching itself to become a leader in the wind industry due to its proximity to the country’s wind corridor (which is what also make states like Nebraska and South Dakota good candidates for wind energy). Here are other reasons why they cite contention for top spot:

• • With a workforce of over 3 million people, Missouri’s labor force exceeds the entire populations of 22 states, including neighboring Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, and Nebraska.
• • Missouri ranks eighth in the nation for low business costs, including labor.
• • Missouri higher education is actively engaged in alternative energy and wind power.
• • According to CNBC’s “American’s Top State for Business, July 2008,” Missouri has the 10th best transportation network in the nation.
• • Missouri has the 14th highest average U.S. wind speed (10.1 mph), higher than Texas, Ohio, Colorado, and California.

Interested in learning more about Missouri’s plan to become a leader in wind energy? The Missouri Partnership is hosting a Wind Energy Supply Chain Workshop series. The next session is scheduled for May 12, 2009.