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(AP) -- DES MOINES, Iowa  - Gov. Chet Culver says Iowa now ranks second in the nation in wind energy capacity, surpassing California.

Culver cited a new report from the American Wind Energy Association in touting the news on Thursday. Culver says that in recent years Iowans have worked tirelessly to build on the state's natural strengths and made it a national leader.

Culver says the study is proof that investment in wind energy is working and will benefit the state.

Iowa is home to six wind manufacturing companies - Acciona, Siemens, Clipper, Hendricks, TPI, and Trinity. The director of the state's Office of Energy Independence, Roy Stanley, cited the survey and says the wind energy industry will help Iowa grow in years to come.

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