Sept. 26, 2011 - brighterenergy.org

There are now 20 major transmission projects proposed to open up wind energy supplies in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest region.

The Center for Rural Affairs has released a new map and informational database of the proposals that seek to provide more grid capacity for clean energy projects.

The database is being continuously updated to include both new lines and new information for projects currently listed.

The project seeks to bring together those affected by the proposals and local advocates to get involved in the planning of the power line developments.

Center for Rural Affairs Energy Advocate and map designer Johnathan Hladik stated: “We believe wind energy projects are best when they involve the entire community in planning and when the opportunity is shared broadly. We encourage local advocates, elected officials and others to get involved in the planning process around these lines.”

“These transmission projects are critical to unleashing the tremendous wind energy potential of the region, and hold the key to the thousands of jobs projected to come from wind energy development,” explained Hladik.

The Center for Rural Affairs released a report last month that highlighted the potential of wind energy development that will be unleashed if transmission projects like these are advanced (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

“Clean energy transmission is more important now than ever. Congress, the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are all working to change the way renewable energy is integrated into the electric grid,” added Hladik.

“Now is the time to make your voice heard, to become familiar with these issues and make sure that new transmission lines are built in a way that works best for you, your community, and your economy.”

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