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March 17, 2008
March 14, 2008
Wind Energy Gets Support from State Lawmakers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Gus Blackwell Contact: State Rep.
Weldon Watson
Capitol: (405) 557-7384 Capitol: (405) 557-7330
Wind Energy Gets Support from State Lawmakers
OKLAHOMA CITY-The Oklahoma wind that state residents complain about
could reduce electricity bills and provide eco-friendly energy
alternatives at the same time thanks to the passage of House Bill 2813.
House Bill 2813, authored by Rep. Weldon Watson and requested by Rep.
Gus Blackwell, will allow an electric utility company to recover the
costs of building high voltage transmission lines to carry electricity
produced by wind farms in Western Oklahoma.
The measure stemmed from discussions led by the Oklahoma Electric
Transmission Task Force chaired by Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud.
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a multi-state regulator of electric
transmission including Oklahoma, also participated in those task force
meetings.
“Oklahoma’s demand for electricity continues to grow and there is little
opportunity for new construction of coal or nuclear power generation in
the near future,” said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. “The SPP has indicated
that Oklahoma has the potential to be a major supplier of wind energy
based on wind and transmission studies that project demand out through
2050. Failing to take advantage of this opportunity is not simply
shooting yourself in the foot; it’s shooting yourself in the head. This
is a win-win-win situation for the consumer, for the environment and for
the economy.”
“This bill is a way to jump start the growth potential of wind power in
the state. Currently, we have 14,000 megawatts of electricity being
produced by Oklahoma power generators. We have 4,000 more megawatts
from wind either already built or in the planning stages in Western
Oklahoma. The potential is 20,000 megawatts for using wind power,” said
Watson, R-Tulsa.
Several companies have indicated an interest in building wind farms in
the area, Watson indicated, and once they start the SPP will spread the
cost of transmission to other users of that transmission reducing costs
to Oklahoma ratepayers. He also said there is also great potential for
carbon credits that will reduce fuel costs for ratepayers.
“Our state song mentions that ‘the wind comes sweeping down the plain’
in Oklahoma. That wind that has been immortalized in song and lore will
become famous now for its energy potential,” said Watson.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will have ultimate authority for any
activity electric utilities may take as a result of the legislation.
House Bill 2813 passed the full House this week 88-0 and now goes to the
Senate for a hearing.
March 10, 2008
Monday’s [4 a r t i s t s.]
REMEMBER it’s easier to make a reputation locally, and then expand into ther markets. Almost every artist thinks life would be easier if they ust lived somewhere else. For most, it isn’t the case.
