Imagine getting free electricity, or having the power company pay you instead of paying you, today's windmills could make that possible. Windmills dating back to the 1400s were used to turn wind into usable energy for grinding and pumping. Today's windmills spin turbines to produce electricity. They are popping up all over the United States, but the United States is far behind other countries in wind energy development. Countries such as Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom are investing billions of dollars in wind energy, including offshore wind farms. Germany holds first place in wind-generated electricity production. Denmark, being one of the smallest countries in Europe, produces 20% of its electricity from windmills (Eco-logico, 2004). Wind energy has grown only 26% over the past five years in the United States (Eco-logico, 2004). 2004). This is sad compared to other countries, considering the technology and manufacturing capabilities of the United States. Is it because there isn't enough wind for windmills in the United States? It's not difficult, windmills are better today than they were ten years ago, as they only need a wind speed of thirteen miles per hour to spin the turbines. Could it be the cost? Well, according to an article in Eco-logical (2004), once construction is finished maintenance is minimal, so operation of the wind turbine is practically free. It means wind; fuel for the turbine is free. One reason for the slow growth of wind energy in the United States is politicians. The problem is not only at the federal level, but also at the state and local levels. Politicians don't take the time to research the extent of wind energy and lobbying... halfway through the document... May 13). Alternative energies: wind energy. [From the diaries] Darksyde. Retrieved from: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/5/13/8838/11631Jaques, N. (2010, November 4). Cannons aimed at offshore wind development on the Big Lake. http://social.windenergyupdate.com/industry-insight/guns-blazing-over-great-lakes-offshore-wind-developmentNazzaro, R., McClure, P., Gómez, J.A., Siega, K., & Roach, W. (2005, September 16). The impacts of wind energy on wildlife and government responsibilities to regulate development and protect wildlife. (GAO Report-05-906). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Accountability Office Jackson, P. W. (2003, February 15). Sowing the windmill, reaping the storm. Michigan Farm News. http://www.michiganfarmbureau.com/farmnews/transform.php?xml=20030215/cover.xmlNewsweek. (2006, April 24). A windmill on the roof of your own. Newsweek.