Several Wisconsin residents living near wind turbines or in areas where wind farms are proposed testified against the statewide wind siting bill Tuesday at the Capitol. They cited ill health effects. "Everyone here has talked about all about jobs and money," said Brownsville resident Gerry Meyer. "What about our health?"

Rahall's spokeswoman, Allyson Groff, said last week that committee staff already were working on the points of greatest contention - especially the wind provisions. The bill as introduced "was a proposal," she said. "Nothing was set in stone. He wanted to be able to work with the Republicans on this."

To continue its rapid growth, wind energy must overcome some major hurdles in the next few years. Market development in the United States is strongly dependent on the federal PTCs, which for now must be periodically renewed by Congress.