Climate + Energy Project

The ACORE report appears at a critical time in the formation of our nation’s climate and energy policy for the 21st century:

• At least four Renewable Energy Standard (RES) proposals (plus additional bills on transmission planning) are currently making their way through the U.S. House and Senate.
• Through the planning processes of their Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs), large utilities across the nation are assessing the energy markets.
• Last year, DOE projected 7,000 MW of wind development for Kansas. Today, ACORE’s analysis of the Joint Coordinated System Plan projects the possibility of 19,000 MW.

Previous forecasts for Kansas wind development may have fallen far short of what the nation will ask of the Heartland. This report begins an important conversation about how, when, and by what means Kansas will answer that call. The range between 7,000 MW and 19,000 MW is substantial: How will Kansas choose to develop its wind resource?

Without doubt, renewable energy could transform the Kansas economy, enriching rural communities and revitalizing urban manufacturing. County commissioners, economic development officers, and wind energy task forces across Kansas are already at work to make it happen.

The report also raises important questions for further study. Certainly, we need to know more about cost to consumers and environmental impacts. Transmission is another important issue, but at this point it seems clear – if we build it, they will come.

NANCY JACKSON

Executive Director, Climate and Energy Project
jackson@climateandenergy.org
www.climateandenergy.org
office 785-331-8743

Supporting materials:

• Full report from ACORE
• CEP summary of report’s major findings