The Wind Coalition today announced the selection of new leadership, including a new president and vice president, among five executive committee members that will help guide the coalition’s efforts in the South-Central United States.
“Wind energy is the fastest growing sector of the energy economy, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and a cleaner and more diverse fuel mix,” said Jeff Clark, executive director of The Wind Coalition. “Our new leadership is focused on the challenges posed by the recent recession, shrinking budgets and fierce competition. We believe wind energy is an important part of America’s energy portfolio, serving as a hedge against the fluctuating price of fossil fuels while creating jobs and economic development in rural communities.”
Members of The Wind Coalition chose Kevin Gresham of E.ON Climate and Renewables North America as its President, Matt Langley of Infinity Wind as its Vice President, Thresa Allen of Iberdrola Renewables as its ERCOT Chair, Tim Conboy of Acciona Energy as its Southwestern Power Pool Chair, and Vanessa Kellogg of EDP as its Treasurer and Secretary.
“Wind works for several reasons, not the least of which is it creates downward pressure on rates,” said Gresham. “Studies show wind energy contributes to controlling the cost of electricity, demonstrating the importance of a diverse fuel mix as prices change. Our goal is not to replace vast sources of electricity like natural gas, but work hand-in-hand with all fuel sources to offer clean, home grown and affordable power to Texas consumers.”
Wind power represents 8.5 percent of the market share in Texas. In states like Kansas and Oklahoma, installed capacity has grown significantly in recent years, and provides both states another commodity they can export just like the crops grown on the ground, and the energy resources found below ground.
“We can harvest the wind like we harvest cotton, corn and wheat in the Central United States,” said Clark. “Keeping tax and regulatory policies in place that provide incentives for the development of wind energy is not only a good long-term investment, but a quick way to revitalize rural economies.”
The Wind Coalition is active in eight states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Missouri. The south central wind corridor has the potential to serve as a “central nervous system” of electricity generation to provide power to the rest of the nation, says the organization.
Additional information about the newly elected members can be found here.
The Wind Coalition
windcoalition.org
Filed Under: Community wind, News, Policy, Uncategorized
