Kansas Task Force Hopes to Harness Wind Energy, Protect Tallgrass Prairie
By Scott Rothschild, Journal-World, Lawrence, Kan. -- April 16
Developing wind energy and protecting the tallgrass prairie may seem like conflicting ideas to some, but a task force tackling those subjects meets today before taking its proposal on the road for public forums.
"We are close to resolving a number of charges that the governor gave to
us," said Jerry Karr of Emporia, co-chair of the task force and a former
state senator.
One of the most challenging issues before the task force is the question of
developing wind energy in the Flint Hills, which run north-south through the
middle of the eastern half of Kansas.
The high winds that whip through the Flint Hills make the area one of the
best in the country to locate giant wind turbines to harness wind energy.
But some residents and environmentalists oppose the turbines, saying the
towers will mar the view of the hills and tear up the prairie.
Karr said there were many ways to address the issue, from making the Flint
Hills off-limits to wind power development to recognizing that individual
property owners can do what they want on their land.
He said the task force would attempt to provide some options and present
those during public forums April 28 in Manhattan and April 29 in El Dorado.
The Legislature has also jumped into the fray. An attempt to declare a
moratorium on wind turbines in the Flint Hills failed during the first part of
the legislative session but is likely to come up again during the wrap-up
session that starts April 28.
Karr said the task force would remain focused on its work regardless of what
the Legislature does. The task force is scheduled to give recommendations to
Sebelius by May 31.
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