The South Dakota Wind Energy Association (SDWEA) has been established. One of the organization's key guiding principles will be to support the development of wind energy as a sustainable economic and environmentally friendly resource for South Dakota and its citizens.
SDWEA will also act as a forum for education, research and data about wind development and become a source of reliable information for state leaders and citizens on issues related to wind energy.
New officers were elected to lead the board of directors during the initial meeting. Jeffrey L. Nelson, general manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, will serve as president. Kevin Kephart, South Dakota State University's vice president for research and dean of the graduate school, will be vice president. Toby Crow, Associated Contractors of South Dakota's executive vice president, will be secretary/treasurer.
SDWEA's goal for this year is to create a blueprint for future wind development in South Dakota. SDWEA intends to develop this blueprint through a series of community wind meetings as a means to produce a fresh look at the future development of wind energy in the state. The initiative will focus on bringing together public and private interests and focus especially on enhancing the value of future wind development to communities, economic development and job creation, technical and higher institutions and for land owners.
SDWEA primary sponsors are the Associated General Contractors of SD Inc., East River Electric Power Cooperative Inc., Missouri River Energy Services, Rural Learning Center, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative Inc., SD Corn Council, SD Electric Utility Cos., SD Farm Bureau, SD Farmers Union and the South Dakota Rural Electric Association.
SOURCE: South Dakota Wind Energy Association
