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 Wind Energy In the Southwest Power Pool Region The western region of the SPP grid is one of greatest wind zones in North America. Tremendous energy in the atmosphere, coupled with expansive plains, provide a great resource for the development of exceptional wind projects. This windy region is just beginning to scratch the surface of its vast potential. KANSAS The windy, wide open plains make Kansas one of the best states in the Union for wind power development. The state has identified wind as a potentially significant source of energy and is proactively investigating policies to support beneficial wind development in Kansas. The State of Kansas is looking at long term comprehensive energy plan which includes looking at opportunities in renewable energy. Learn more about the Kansas Energy Council On the books Kansas policy statute 79-201 exempts from property taxes or ad valorem taxes all property used to produce and generate renewable energy. NEW MEXICO: 10% by 2011 Miles of windy, elevated mesas and public policy encouraging the use of renewable energy make New Mexico a prime wind power state. On the books New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission established a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2003 that requires 10% of energy sales to come from renewable sources by 2011. "The purpose of this rule is to establish a process for promoting the use and development of renewable energy in New Mexico to assure that electric consumers obtain adequate and reliable electric services at just and reasonable rates. Encouraging the use of renewable resources will provide diversity and so strengthen the stability of electricity supply. It will also enhance the health and welfare of the state by preserving the environment, stimulating economic development, and conserving water and non-renewable resources, while reducing the state's reliance on fossil fuel resources and vulnerability to market fluctuations. View details of the rule. In 2004 the New Mexico Legislature passed the Renewable Energy Act which made the PRC rule a law. A renewable energy credits program was also established, allocating one REC per megawatt-hour of wind power produced. New Mexico also offers the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit, available for production up to two million megawatt-hours annually. Under this rule, each qualified energy generator may earn one cent ($.01) per kilowatt-hour for the first four hundred thousand megawatt-hours of electricity for ten consecutive years. Capacity of energy generators must be at least ten megawatts of zero-emissions generation. OKLAHOMA Oklahoma is rich in wind resources. The economic and environmental benefits of wind power have drawn attention to this resource as wind developers become more active in the state. Furthering the investigation and promotion of wind energy resources in Oklahoma, the state's legislature continues support of the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, and recently established the Oklahoma Wind Power Assessment Committee in 2004. On the books Wind power producers with a capacity of at least 50 MW are eligible for an income tax credit from the State of Oklahoma. Oklahoma tax credit for electricity generated by zero-emission facilities. ARKANSAS, MISSOURI, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI Each of these states may have untapped windy areas and could be suitable for large scale wind development in the future. Efforts to explore offshore potential along the Gulf of Mexico could become an important resource in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
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