WASHINGTON, May 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. wind industry is installing equipment rapidly before incentives expire.

The American Wind Energy Association said that with the future of the federal production tax credit for new installations uncertain, the industry is installing as much wind capacity as it can now.

In the first quarter of 2008, 1,400 megawatts or about $3 billion worth of new generating capacity was put in place, AWEA said in its quarterly market report.

The new plants could provide enough electricity to power about 400,000 homes, and about 17 new manufacturing plants have received investments.

"These new wind power plants show that with consistent policy support America's wind industry can deliver the goods in terms of clean energy and new clean technology jobs," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher.

Swisher said 76,000 jobs and more than $11.5 billion in investment are at risk if the PTC is not more permanently renewed. It is set to expire at the end of the year.