Opening a Window for Wind Power
By Josh Matlock
Fri, 02/16/2007 - 11:10am
The Texas Public Utilities Commission is considering a $1.5 billion proposal by South Texas' Sharyland Utilities to build an electric power transmission loop through the Panhandle and South Plains of Texas tying wind power to traditional power grids. Approval will lead to billions of dollars in future wind power projects and thousands of megawatts to the electric grid.
At the same time as investors from across the country are planning to invest billions in new wind power projects, FPL Energy, the largest owner/operator of wind turbines worldwide, has joined forces with Texas State Technical College West Texas to offer a two-year degree focused on the wind energy industry.
This level of interest and investment should get the attention of lawmakers in Austin. Research and technology in renewable energy alternatives is a lucrative investment that the state should be significantly involved in. Texas has the financial and intellectual infrastructure to lead in this area. All that's lacking is the political will.
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The leaders
By HughStearns
Sat, 02/17/2007 - 11:13am
Actually we are the leaders in this area. Texas produces more energy from wind than any other state. We also seem to produce the largest number of dumb-ass politicians, so we better watch out for the political will part of this. As you point out we can be sure that this huge investment in infrastructure is going to get lots of attention in Austin. Does Governor Rick have any children recently hired by large construction companies?