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I think a federal renewable portfolio standard has been introduced in the house. Although there's must opposition to it, the transition is inevitable. It would be nice if Kansas was more progressive on this subject.

Here's my question: What's the hold, what's the actual nuts and bolts (and dollars) reason there aren't wind farms on every square inch of unused ground in Kansas. Are they too expensive to put up?? Are they too inefficient once up??? Is it actually a big risk that when the wind doesn't blow our lights will go out??? There has to be 2 sides to this deal, I sit here and think wind looks like a no brainer but I want to know both sides.

Lot's of questions - but I'll try a couple. Wind turbines are really expensive to put up. The big ones cost more than a million dollars a piece. They're expensive for lots of reasons - shortage, most come from Europe currently, new technology - not a lot of people know how to install and work on them right now. (Turbine maintenance workers in some areas starting out at 80,000 yr). As they become a more accepted form of energy and utilized more often, the cost will come down. You do lose an acre of ground for each wind turbine you put up, so if they were everywhere, we couldn't farm the ground. The wind speed is better in some areas of Kansas than others - categories from 1-7. We are mostly 4 & 5 in Reno County. In order for the development to make money you look for three things: wind speed, access to transmission lines and public support. There are still many people who think they're ugly and don't want them in their back yard. Wind proponents want wind as a part of our energy mix - not to provide it all. If wind was your only source of electricity when the wind wasn't blowing you might actually risk the lights going out in Kansas. The new wind turbines are more efficient than the old ones and so they can generate electricity more efficiently. The thing I like is that they don't pollute the air or jack up the water. I think some opponents of wind believe support for wind means less support for coal. I also think there are some legislators holding wind for ransom - vote coal and we'll support wind. Just my opinion.

Thanks Dorothy, Actually those are exactly the answers I thought were out there. And really they are decent reasons. If you can get the cost down to $30.00 a windmill I will personally fund 3 of them. Just Kidding, I still think it should be pursued heavily. Should YP Reno County take an offical stance and send an official letter to our legislators as a group?? Just a thought.

i spoke with my district's representative on saturday and he indicated that the governor is for a rps. however, it won't pass any time soon...it's an election year! everyone's too afraid that their constituents aren't behind the idea. we'd have to really bombard legislators with our support for it to convince them otherwise.

I'm on board, but what do we need to do to make this happen as a group? How far along is the energy bill in the process?

There are thousands of blog threads like this on the internet that stop right here. Jade... I am challenging you to take this on. I mean steer it. You will get any help from Dorothy she possibly can if you go about it right ( I am kinda speaking for Dorothy out of turn here but I know how hard she has worked on this, so I will roll the dice). Sarah and I are in personally here to help and we will make an attempt to sway advisory council for YP Reno County to either get you more individuals or "POSSIBLY" get YP Reno County to back you. Make a plan and keep pushing and we can get the power to back you and make something happen, election year or not. It would be great if this could be officially a YP Reno County initiative and you steered it all the way to Topeka as a member of YP. Ok There i go dreaming big. It could be cool though. p.s. A lot more thought could be put into this and it could drag on or we could just charge and see what happens.

I say Charge! Let's do something. If our members are on board then let's make our voices heard. Jade, I think you'd be a great leader for this issue. You obviously get the issue and care deeply. The fact that you're already talking to our legislators means that you're 100 steps ahead of the rest of us (except maybe Dorothy). :) Our voice is a powerful one. I could see this issue being one that we could rally other Kansas YP groups around. A joint statement maybe?

Your timing is impeccable:) I received a call yesterday from our friends at the Climate and Energy Project: A broad coalition of concerned citizens, families, students and community groups will gather at the Capitol (tentatively scheduled March 11th at 7 pm) to urge legislators to carefully consider recent energy legislation. While all sides agree that our state’s energy future is a critical issue, Kansas citizens realize that this legislation places our state at a historic crossroads. Our legislators must guide us down a path that protects the economy, environment and health of present and future generations of Kansans (taken from the flyer I got). A bus or two if we can fill them will be provided to take those interested in participating. What a terrific way for YP to get involved in a big way. Info about transportation and more details will soon be available at www.kansascleanenergy.com

Am I the only one that's having a problem connecting to the link Dorothy provided?

Be patient Sarah!!! Dorothy said "More details will soon be available"

The Climate & Energy Project's website has some great info and blogs about what has been happening in Topeka. I'll let them know the clean energy site isn't working yet, although I'm sure they're aware. Check it out! www.climateandenergy.org

I just wanted to let you all know that I am running for County Commissioner this year. I spoke briefly at the Reno County Democrats meeting last night and informed the people in attendance that if I am elected one of my main goals will be to make Reno County a leader in developing wind energy in Kansas. If the members of YP want to take on this issue I pledge my full support.

although i'm convinced of the necessity of rps legislation and the development of wind energy, i'm guessing yp is made up of people with varying opinions on the subject. it's probably rash of us to assume everyone in yp feels like us! one thing we can all agree on is that our opinions should count. it would be great to see more people in our demographic at the next legislative forum on march 29th. that is where i had the opportunity to speak with our state reps. and i was the about the only person there under 60! these are put on by the chamber and the next one is at mennonite manor.

Just wanted to let you know that Kansas Clean Energy Day is Tuesday, March 11th at 11 am on the steps of the Capitol. If there is enough interest, a bus will be provided from Hutchinson. Shoot me an email and let me know if you would like to go. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you have never seen the Capitol, this is a great opportunity.

Hopefully, you all saw Jade and Kevin on the front page of the Hutch News today, but if not please check them out at the Clean Energy Day rally in Topeka: http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/hutchrally

The first 2 people mentioned in the article are YP members!!!!

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