EDMOND — In Oklahoma, the wind famously comes sweepin’ down the plains. Today, that wind represents more than a song lyric or the harbinger of unpredictable weather: It represents the potential for clean energy and jobs for Oklahomans.
Oklahoma ranks No. 2 among U.S. states in its potential for wind energy development. Our state boasts several established wind farms that supply homes and businesses with more than 1,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. With more wind farms proposed, Oklahoma could conceivably supply 10 percent of the country’s electricity needs, while creating new jobs and developing rural economies.
Moreover, wind development has the potential to create a more sustainable form of income royalties for landowners. They can receive payments based on the sale of electricity, bonuses for signing leases and rental income based on the number of wind turbines on their property.
Wind is intermittent and must be backed up by another source. Natural gas-fired power plants are the perfect complement to wind. Natural gas is clean, abundant in the United States — especially in Oklahoma — and it can be brought online faster than other sources of power. The more wind power we develop, the better we position Oklahoma’s natural gas industry for a significant role in our country’s electricity generation.
Communities, schools and small businesses are taking advantage of wind development with tax incentives, credits and financial resources for small wind projects. Last year, Yarbrough Public School, outside of Goodwell, installed a wind turbine that provides half of the school district’s electricity needs.
Opportunities abound, and now is the time to learn more. The REVOLUTION 2009: Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference is Dec. 2-3 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. This is an opportunity for landowners, wind developers, energy professionals and environmental and wildlife advocates to discuss how Oklahoma will responsibly develop its natural resources while preserving land and wildlife.
For more information, visit www.OKWindRevolution.com or call 1-800-203-5494. I encourage anyone interested to join us as we research and explore new economic opportunities and position Oklahoma to be a leader in this growing industry.
GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his web site www.governor.ok.gov.
Opinion
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