FRANKFORT, Ky. – As a leader in advancing new sources of energy in a state highly dependent on fossil fuels, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that he is joining the U.S. Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition. Gov. Beshear also announced that he is endorsing the national 25x’25 Action Plan.
“The increased use of renewable energy sources in Kentucky will greatly increase our energy security and minimize our carbon footprint, while relying on Kentucky’s vast natural resources and boosting Kentucky business sectors, such as agriculture and various emerging growth companies,” Gov. Beshear said.
The Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition, co-chaired by Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa and Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, is fast gaining momentum with 24 governors now having joined the coalition. The Wind Coalition is asking the Obama Administration to consider policy options that include establishing a national renewable electricity standard; constructing a new interstate electric transmission system that would incorporate renewable energy sources; revitalizing manufacturing and export markets through wind energy; and adopting a long-term renewable energy production tax credit.
While studies show that Kentucky does not have the classic Level 3 winds currently required to produce enough wind power for base-load generation, many business people and farmers are interested in distributed wind generation.
“As technology advances, it could conceivably become possible to generate higher amounts of power from lower levels of wind in Kentucky, as wind propellers become larger and move more slowly,” according to Energy and Environment Cabinet Sec. Len. Peters. “We must continue to map and test Kentucky winds to optimize our use of wind energy in the state.”
Gov. Beshear also announced today that he is formally endorsing the national 25x’25 Action Plan, as have several other current and former governors, state legislatures and members of Congress. First introduced in 2004, the 25x’25 Action Plan calls for a minimum 25 percent use of renewable energy sources by the year 2025.
The 25x’25 Action Plan complements Gov. Beshear’s energy plan Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future, introduced publicly in November 2008, which recommends a Renewable and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) for Kentucky. The REPS proposes that by 2025, 25 percent of Kentucky’s energy needs will be met by energy efficiency and renewable energy resources.
“By setting efficiency and renewable energy standards and then measuring our progress toward these standards, we will enhance our energy security, improve our environment and strengthen our economy,” Gov. Beshear said.
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