KANSAS WIND TO PROTECT GRASSES

Road Map For Wind Energy Policy Designates 'Tallgrass Heartland'
11 May 2011 (North American Windpower)

"A tallgrass prairie area in the Flint Hills in Kansas will be protected from commercial wind development, according to the state's new Road Map for Wind Energy Policy.

"Gov. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., [said] the extreme rarity of the tallgrass prairie located in the Flint Hills calls for extraordinary care and attention…"

The Smoky Hills windfarm in Kansas' tallgrass country. From spoonyfork via YouTube

"Brownback added that the ‘Tallgrass Heartland’ designation will not prohibit the construction of necessary electric transmission improvements. In addition, wind projects that currently have power purchases agreements (PPAs) within protected areas will not be affected; however, these projects will not be allowed to expand…Westar Energy owns two wind farms in the state and has PPAs with several others.

"The plan is expected to encourage commercial wind energy development as well as projects that expand transmission lines in the state, such as the KETA project and the Y-Plan and a direct-current line."