The state of Oklahoma is in the top 10 in the nation when it comes to wind energy, and that's only the start.  Not only did another wind farm open this week, but Oklahoma is also reaching a milestone.  State leaders are now figuring out how to create even more opportunities in the fast growing industry.

Wind turbines are showing up all across the state, even local tribes are getting involved.

Brad Burris with the Kaw Nation said, "They were known as the wind people, so it works out perfectly."

Burris says the Kaw Nation of North Central Oklahoma is looking for a developer to build a wind farm on 800 acres of land.

"The main thing is to employ the tribal people, bring revenue to the tribe, and this is a great way to do it.  This is the future right here, wind energy," Burris explained.

Hundreds attended Oklahoma Wind Commerce 2009 in Norman this afternoon to expand an industry that could produce 1,000 megawatts.  Only the 10th state to reach the milestone.

Sandy Pratt, the Deputy Director of Business Services for the Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce said, "We're in a great position and it's going to move quickly, and it's going to generate a lot of opportunities for Oklahoma and it's residents, and it's companies."

"It's about being able to take the industry, not just from a gathering energy standpoint, but how we turn it into economic development by creating new business in the state of Oklahoma," Lt. Governor Jari Askins described.

The American Wind Energy Association says the state's in a great position, but has room to improve.  Turbines can not only be used in the plains, but built here as well.

Brad Lystra, the Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships with the AWEA said, "That it says the state can accomplish is still on the tip of the iceberg in terms of wind industry development.  The manufacturing jobs have not come to Oklahoma yet, and surrounding states are getting more of the manufacturing of wind industry."

Colorado, Iowa, and Kansas have developed a Renewable Portfolio Standard.  Something the AWEA hopes Oklahoma will look into.

"There's a good chance that we've seen with other states that manufacturing will soon follow, without a state RPS I think manufacturers are a little weary to move productions facilities into a state," Lystra explained.

As energy consumption increases about 2% a year in the US, officials say it's time to get the wheels turning.  The Kaw Nation hopes to have their wind farm running by 2010.

"I think it looks great, it looks bright, the future looks bright," Burris concluded.

The National Renewable Energy Lab reports that Oklahoma will be #2 in wind generation by 2030.