S. DAKOTA READIES FOR BIG WIND

South Dakota Wind Energy Association organized
Brandon Bennett, February 9, 2009 (Rapid City Weekly News/Black Hills Pioneer)

"Saying that enough time has been wasted stepping around organized efforts to promote wind energy, supporters have completed a successful effort to establish the South Dakota Wind Energy Association. The initial membership and organizational board meeting was held in Pierre in January…local state and even federal governments are still working on ordinances for wind energy…

"...[Executive Director Steve Wegman wants to] have community meetings to bring a variety of people together…Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa and Minnesota all have more wind turbines than South Dakota. Only Nebraska has less."

So much potential, so little installed capacity. (click to enlarge)

"Local businessman Tim Hauck installs wind energy systems on a part-time basis…welcomes an association…[and] still has some questions…he hopes to expand his involvement…[and] hopes the association will help the industry grow.

"One of the key guiding principles of SDWEA will be to support the development of wind energy as a sustainable economic and environmentally-friendly resource for South Dakota and its citizens…The association will also act as a forum for education, research and reliable information about wind development and become a source of reliable information for state leaders and citizens…

"New officers were elected to lead the Board of Directors …The board is comprised of representatives from each of the primary sponsoring organizations, four directors elected from within the membership and the at-large members…[Newly elected Association President Jeffrey L. Nelson, General Manager of the East River Electric Power Cooperative] believes that widespread interest to promote wind energy in South Dakota was the driving force behind the association's creation…"

S.D. is at the heart of the white swath of power. (click to enlarge)

"The board and membership set SDWEA's goal for 2009 to create a blueprint for future wind development in South Dakota…through a series of community wind meetings…bringing together public and private interests and…enhancing the value of future wind development to communities, economic development and job creation, technical and higher institutions and for land owners.

"For those interested in joining SDWEA, contact Steve Wegman at (605) 295-1221."