To help further Kansas’ wind energy potential and grow the economy, Governor Mark Parkinson 
signed an executive order today establishing the Kansas Interagency Working Group for Wind Energy. Through Executive Order 10-13, the group will serve as a resource hub with relevant information necessary to optimize and expedite wind energy planning. The governor signed the executive order alongside Lieutenant Governor Troy Findley, chair of the Governor’s Energy Policy Subcabinet, at today’s meeting of the Kansas Wind Working Group.
“As we continue on the road to recovery, we must ensure state government remains focused on areas of the Kansas economy that are ripe for potential, especially in the area of wind energy,” said Parkinson. “I am pleased to establish this working group to enhance collaboration and coordination of efforts at the state-level.”
The Kansas Interagency Working Group for Wind Energy will bring together representatives from all relevant state agencies to ensure smooth and responsible wind expansion in Kansas and appropriate interagency communication between various levels of government. The group will also monitor Kansas’ transmission developments; foster advanced development in the renewable energy sector; and provide information about workforce services in Kansas, among other duties. Additionally, the group will provide advice and council to the governor on issues that concern wind in Kansas, as well as periodically report to the governor on accomplishments and activities within the industry.
The Kansas Interagency Working Group for Wind Energy was established upon recommendation from Lt. Governor Findley and the Governor’s Energy Policy Subcabinet’s 2010 Energy Report.[1]
“After taking a long, hard look at the state’s current practices, the Energy Policy Subcabinet Team concluded that we need state agencies coming together to maximize our wind energy opportunities and work with private stakeholders to further our progress,” said Findley. “I am glad to see Governor Parkinson take the necessary steps to distinguish the Kansas wind industry as a priority.”
Per the executive order, Governor Parkinson has designated Secretary of Commerce Bill Thornton as the chair of the group, which will be composed of representatives from state agencies, including but not limited to:
- the Kansas Department of Commerce,
- the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,
- the Kansas Department of Transportation,
- the Governor’s Military Council,
- the Adjutant General’s Office,
- the Kansas Corporation Commission,
- the Kansas Department of Labor,
- the Kansas Board of Regents,
- the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and
- the Kansas Energy Office.
