Topeka – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced his Road Map for Wind Energy Policy for the state to ensure Kansas maintains its balance between the 3 E’s – the Economy, Energy, and the Environment. Included in the policy is a plan to protect a tallgrass prairie area in the Flint Hills from commercial wind development to be known as the “Tallgrass Heartland”.

“Kansans understand and value our state’s rich and abundant energy resources. The oil & gas industry has been a storied part of our history while providing the nation with energy supplies. And now Kansas wind is helping power homes across the Midwest,” Gov. Brownback said. “We will continue to encourage the expansion of an unparalleled economic development opportunity that will allow our state to regain its energy exporter status while also protecting an ecological jewel of our state and the nation.”

Economy: To meet his priority to grow the Kansas Economy, the Brownback Administration will encourage commercial wind energy development as well as projects that expand transmission lines in Kansas like the KETA Project and the Y-Plan, and a direct current line.

Energy: The Brownback Administration will continue to support an “all of the above” energy policy for Kansas that keeps energy affordable and expands the production and consumption of renewable energies.

Environment: In addition to designating the “Tallgrass Heartland”, the Governor’s Economic Summit on the Flint Hills will help the Brownback Administration develop a plan to increase eco-tourism to the tallgrass prairie and help promote its preservation.
Brownback said the extreme rarity of this last large scale vestige of the tallgrass prairie located in the Flint Hills calls for extraordinary care and attention.
“I do not, however, wish to convey a negative message about the future of wind energy in our state. My administration will continue to work with wind developers and wholeheartedly support their activities in other parts of the state,” Brownback said. “The Tallgrass Heartland will not prohibit the construction of necessary electric transmission improvements. Wind farms that are currently under power purchase agreements within the protected area, are of course, expected to fulfill those contracts and will have every opportunity to renew their agreements moving forward. However, they will not be expanded.”

Brownback said he was pleased a broad-based coalition of Flint Hills ranchers, preservationists, wind developers, power companies and government officials support his plan to expand the tallgrass prairie area to be free from additional commercial wind farm development.

What others are saying about Governor Brownback’s Road Map for Wind Energy Policy:
Robin Jennison, Secretary, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks: “The directive of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is to conserve, promote and enhance natural resources of our great state. This policy greatly enhances our ability to preserve the Flint Hills and the tallgrass prairie as well as the habitat and wildlife that depend upon it – and with our new role to promote our state, showcase a natural resource that is unique to the entire country.”

Stephen D. Guretin, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services: “The USFWS is very supportive of Gov. Brownback’s initiative to expand the wind power moratorium area to include the majority of the Flint Hills region. We believe that measures to protect this and other sensitive grassland habitats in Kansas is a positive step forward in balancing long-term energy needs with the conservation of crucial ecosystems.”

Paul Sadler, Executive Director, The Wind Coalition: “The Wind Coalition has worked closely with Governor Brownback and his Administration to establish the Tallgrass Heartland, which protects a unique ecological treasure while encouraging wind and transmission development throughout the State of Kansas. Our industry strives to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth, providing jobs and affordable energy while protecting natural resources.”

Alan Pollom, Kansas State Director, The Nature Conservancy: “The last three Kansas governors have all taken action to celebrate and preserve our tallgrass prairie heritage. The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Brownback for this thoughtful and balanced announcement today. He has reminded us all, as Kansans, of the honor we share as stewards of the last great stand of the tallgrass prairie.”

A. Scott Ritchie, Tallgrass Ranchers: “We enthusiastically applaud Governor Brownback’s commitment to expand protection of the Tallgrass Heartland. His farsighted initiative will pay dividends for generations to come. Saving the tallgrass prairie from industrial development is the right thing to do and is a legacy we hope to leave to Kansans and to all Americans. We thank the governor for his strong leadership to achieve this grand result.”

Bill Moore, President and CEO, Westar Energy: “From the beginning of our commitment to wind power, we’ve been equally committed to locating our wind farms in environmentally appropriate areas. We support Governor Brownback’s broadening of the preserved area of the Flint Hills. We also applaud his sensible approach to maintaining a balance between the environment, energy and the economy.”

Ron Klataske, Executive Director, Audubon of Kansas: “The governor’s designation of an expanded area of Flint Hills and tallgrass prairie landscape worthy of special recognition for its natural ecological character and ranching culture is a wonderful development. It is reflective of the interests of most residents within the Flint Hills region and folks statewide who have been and want to underscore the importance of working together to build appreciation for this unique signature Kansas landscape.”

Larry Patton, President of Protect the Flint Hills: “Protect the Flint Hills supports Governor Brownback’s plan to expand the area designated as the Tallgrass Heartland. The Governor’s proposal shows that he appreciates the significance of the Kansas Flint Hills region and that his administration is committed to preserving the last of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem for future generations.”

Mike Chesser, Chairman and CEO, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L: “We congratulate and support Governor Brownback on his decision to preserve the tallgrass prairie. Just like KCP&L, Governor Brownback understands the importance of wind power for meeting our energy needs. His Roadmap for Wind Energy Policy will continue to position Kansas as a leader in wind energy development while protecting the natural beauty of the Flint Hills”

Don Snider, President, Kansas Wildlife Federation: “The Kansas Wildlife Federation strongly supports Governor Brownback’s efforts to expand protection of the Flint Hills to include the Tallgrass Heartland. His efforts recognize the importance the Flint Hills serve for wildlife, such as the Greater Prairie-chicken, and the heritage of generations of ranchers