Governor Parkinson Encouraged by Further Wind Energy Development
Statement
Governor calls on developers and utilities to protect Kansas' natural resources
The following is a statement from Governor Mark Parkinson regarding the announcement today from Enel North America (ENA) and TradeWind Energy that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has signed a contract to purchase the annual output of the 200 MW Caney River Wind Project proposed for Elk County, Kansas:
"Kansas has almost unlimited potential for wind energy. Over the past few years, Lieutenant Governor Findley and I have worked to guide our great state to national leadership with robust development and expansion of the wind energy industry. We are now positioned to experience a boom in wind energy development in the next few years and it is imperative that such growth be conducted responsibly and in accordance with good stewardship of the other natural resources of our state. That is why I continue to uphold the policy established by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius, asking developers and utilities to exercise voluntary restraint and avoid developing wind energy projects within the designated Heart of the Flint Hills area.
"As the last remaining major stand of tallgrass prairie in North America, the Flint Hills is truly a treasure for our state, or nation, and the world. As stewards of one of the most unique and important geographical areas in the United States, we have a responsibility to ensure an appropriate balance between development and preservation in the region that is home to this precious natural resource. The continued respect for the designated Heart of the Flint Hills area policy will secure this important balance for generations to come.
"I appreciate the efforts of TradeWind Energy, local leaders and the surrounding community who were involved in the development of the Caney River wind energy project. All sides are to be commended for the collaboration and compromise demonstrated in bringing this development to fruition in a responsible way outside the Heart of the Flint Hills."
Source