Two state senators and an agricultural leader have announced the formation of the Nebraska Wind Working Group to develop the state's wind energy potential. The group is co-chaired by state Sens. Cap Dierks, R-Ewing, and Don Preister, D-Omaha, and John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. Larry Pearce of the Nebraska Energy Office serves as vice-chair.
Financing for the group comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the energy department's Wind Powering America initiative. As a state and federal partnership, the Wind Working Group will have access to NREL's expertise to help develop Nebraska's wind resources.
The Nebraska Wind Working Group will be similar to wind working groups established in other states. The focus of the group will be to provide education, outreach and information. The Nebraska Energy Office will provide administrative support for the group.
The Wind Working Group will identify and bring together small and large wind stakeholders, conduct public information and outreach on the potential of wind energy and encourage information sharing among wind energy stakeholders.
