Denver-based Western Governors' Association (WGA) and Department of Energy (DOE) have announced the formation of a joint initiative called the Western Renewable Energy Zones (WREZ) project. Utilizing those areas in the West with vast renewable resources to expedite the development and delivery of clean and renewable energy is the central goal of the WREZ project.
‘The West has vast, untapped renewable energy resources that we need to bring online to help meet the region's demand for clean energy,’ says Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, R-Utah. ‘This project will help WGA states reach our goal of adding 30,000 MW of clean and diversified energy by 2015.’
Steering the WREZ process are the governors, public utility commissioners and premiers from 11 states, two Canadian provinces and areas of Mexico that are part of the Western Interconnection. Officials from the DOE, Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will serve as ex officio members of the steering committee.
A WREZ technical committee and several work groups will be formed to examine development potential, costs and environmental impacts, among other issues.
SOURCE: Western Governors' Association
