Energy
The government should encourage the creation of renewable sources of energy and should encourage citizens to conserve energy whenever possible.
WINDPOWER:
Kansas’ economic future depends on the cultivation of clean, renewable and plentiful wind energy. But this prosperous future is in jeopardy if the transmission lines needed to carry this energy are not built as planned. As your next U.S. Senator, I will fight to ensure that Kansas takes full advantage of this tremendous economic opportunity.
According to WindToday, Kansas has the third highest wind energy potential out of all America’s states.[1] By the end of the year, Kansas will have about 1,000 megawatts of wind power, and, according to plans currently in place, this amount could reach 7,000 megawatts by 2030. [2] However, in order to effectively and efficiently deliver this wind power to customers around the country, Kansas transmission lines need a major upgrade. Today’s wind energy is delivered by “cobbled together” low-voltage and inefficient power lines. [3] The current low-voltage power lines limit the number of wind farms Kansas can build and the amount of power these farms could transmit. Most wind energy generated by Kansas’ current wind farms gets consumed in the immediate region, but, if Kansas could increase production of wind energy, the southern and southeastern United States could become a potential marketplace for Kansas wind energy. [4]
This is why I strongly support the construction of an ultra high voltage power line across southwestern Kansas. The construction of the $800 million, 765,000 power line alone would bring jobs and investment to rural Kansans. But, with the improved capacity to transmit wind power produced in state, the potential economic impact could be much greater. By building these high capacity transmission lines needed to carry Kansas’ valuable wind energy, investors could begin constructing even more wind farms, bringing sustainable employment to vast stretches of western Kansas and the creation of an environmentally friendly new industry.
However, construction of these invaluable transmission lines may be in jeopardy. Kansas’ current politicians nearly allowed this project to stall in a transmission grid oversight committee. [5] Even after last minute efforts were made to revive the proposed 765,000 volt ultra high energy transmission lines, the project still awaits final approval. [6]
Environmentally Responsible Wind Energy Development:
As Kansas’ next U.S. Senator I will work hard to ensure that Kansas is at the forefront of renewable energy development, but, not at the expense of Kansas’ long-term, environmental well-being. Unfortunately, some of the most enticing land to wind developers, is also the most scenic and environmentally sensitive. Never-plowed native prairie hilltops are especially attractive, because the wind blows the strongest on these hills. However, the State of Kansas has opted out of virtually any oversight over where wind farms can be built, deferring instead to local counties to make these decisions. This means that wind energy developers can build a wind farm with an enormous 25,000 acre footprint without so much as a single state level hearing or environmental impact statement. The Great Plains need strong oversight including mandating environmental impact statements and encouraging responsible zoning of appropriate land for wind development. By strengthening regulation of wind development, Kansans can be more assured that wind development will proceed responsibly. [7]
Great Plains Wind Authority:
Given the patchwork of regulation, zoning and coordination among wind energy stakeholders, I call for the creation of a Great Plains Wind Authority under the U.S. Department of Energy. Because these valuable winds blow across state lines, the Great Plains Wind Authority would create the rules and regulations to ensure responsible and sustainable development of wind energy. While not producing energy itself, the Great Plains Wind Authority would serve as a regulatory and promotional agency, coordinating the interstate development of the private wind energy industry. The Great Plains Wind Authority would help the private wind industry cut through bureaucratic red tape while simultaneously maintaining good environmental stewardship across state boundaries, but would not operate as a government-owned power producer.
This kind of investment in renewable, sustainable job-creating industry will boost the Kansas economy and create a new source of industry and employment for its residents. As Kansas’ next U.S. Senator, I will fight vigilantly to ensure that these high capacity power lines are constructed, and that Kansas fulfills its potential to usher in America’s renewable energy future.
[1] http://www.windtoday.net/pdf/State__Energy_Potential.pdf
[2] Steve Everly, "Kansas wind energy suffers a blow," Kansas City Star, Oct. 26, 2009.
[3] Steve Everly, “Rival high-voltage power lines proposed for carrying Kansas Wind power out of state,” Kansas City Star, May 9, 2009, Section: A.
[4] Kansas City Star, “Kansas governor announces deal on transmission lines,” June 2, 2009, Section: C.
[5] Steve Everly, "Kansas wind energy suffers a blow," Kansas City Star, Oct. 26, 2009.
[6] David Twiddy, "Kansas transmission line project back in mix," Kansas City Star, Oct. 28, 2009.
[7] Suggestions provided to the Charles Schollenberger campaign courtesy of Dennis Farney.
