Sebelius, Parkinson form Kansas Wind Working Group
Promoting wind power potential, opening dialogue goals of group

Kansas has the potential to be one of the country’s leading producers of wind energy; and to help spread the word, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson have formed the Kansas Wind Working Group. 

“Opportunities for increased wind energy within this state are plentiful, affordable and obtainable,” Sebelius said. “A wind working group can help attract new wind energy projects to the state and promote better use of this abundant natural resource.”

The group, formed through Executive Order 08-01, will educate stakeholder groups with the current information on wind energy markets, technologies, economics, policies, prospects and issues.

In 2007, Sebelius named Parkinson co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council (KEC).  Since that time he has been closely involved with renewable energy research and the creation of a sound energy policy for the state.

Lt. Governor Parkinson serves as chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group.

“By opening the dialogue between advocacy groups, utility companies and communities across our state we can form a shared vision on how best to move forward with new wind projects in Kansas,” said Parkinson.

The Kansas Wind Working Group will be supported by the Energy Programs Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission and the lieutenant governor’s office.

Funding for this group will be provided by Wind Powering America. “Our focus is on states,” said Larry Flowers, National Technical Director of Wind Powering America (WPA). “WPA works with its state partners and their stakeholders through its Wind Working Group network, in which 30 states are now engaged. WPA looks forward to increasing its involvement in Kansas through the Kansas Wind Working Group, providing technical assistance, objective analysis, up-to-date information and education and seed funding for the Kansas Wind Working Group operations.”

The first meeting of the Kansas Wind Working Group will be January 18th at Wichita State University.

Executive orders can be found online at www.governor.ks.gov

Led by Chair Parkinson, members of the Kansas Wind Working Group are as follows:

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