Local Leaders Discuss Local Impact of Renewable Energy Projects in Kansas
Panel will discuss economic benefits of wind and solar energy projects for local communities
Hutchinson, KS – On Thursday, Boost Kansas will host a panel discussion focusing on the benefits provided to local communities by the development and operation of renewable energy projects. The virtual event, “Boosting the Local Economy through Renewable Energy,” will feature local leaders and industry experts who will share how the growth of Kansas’ wind and solar energy sectors are boosting local economies, creating good-paying jobs across the state, and providing economic opportunity in hard-hit communities, especially as the nation looks to rebuild during post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
In Kansas, wind now supports 6,000 jobs, $36 million in annual land lease payments, and provides $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, providing funding for schools and courthouses, roads and bridges, and emergency services. More than $11.4 billion in capital financing has been invested in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth as a result of wind energy. Renewable energy – and the manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology that goes with it – is and will continue to be an essential driver of American industry, Kansas’ workforce, and economic recovery.
However, the future growth of in-state renewable energy relies on an expanded and modernized Midwest electricity grid. Expanding and upgrading transmission lines will allow more low-cost wind and solar projects to come online and create additional opportunities for the state.
What: Boosting the Local Economy through Renewable Energy
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2020
Time: 2:00 PM CT
Location:Register for the live broadcast via Zoom (a link and a phone number will be generated for you to watch/listen)
Participants:
- Steve Sloan, CEO, Midwest Minerals
- Casey Harbour, Kansas Sales Manager, Watco
- Jeff Martin, Vice President of Customer and Community Operations, Evergy
- Representative from Apex
Moderator: Riley Scott, Boost Kansas
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Council on Renewable Energy
Founded in 2001, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is the nation’s premier pan-renewable organization uniting finance, policy and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.