Senate panel backs wind power goals

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Feb 7, 2003 by Ray Carter The Journal Record

The state took a small step toward increasing its use of alternate energy sources on Thursday when members of the Senate Energy, Environment and Communications Committee passed a resolution setting voluntary goals for the use of wind power.

Senate Joint Resolution 8, by Sen. Jim Maddox, D-Lawton, asks electric power providers in Oklahoma to voluntarily increase their reliance on alternate power sources, including wind, sun, geothermal, biomass/bioenergy and new hydroelectric sources.

The resolution recommends increasing renewable energy's share of total electric consumption by Oklahoma consumers to 1 percent by Jan. 1, 2004, and increase the level by 1 percent per year until renewable energy accounts for 8 percent of total electric consumption in 2011.

Maddox noted that Oklahoma has "an abundance" of wind power but the state has not utilized that resource extensively.

Paul Renfro, a spokesman for OG&E, said the utility supports Maddox's resolution, although company officials believe the measure needs some retooling.

Maddox said the language of the resolution may be modified as it progresses through the Legislature.

"These (goals) are not locked-in percentages," he said.

Sen. Jerry Smith, R-Tulsa, noted that one reason Oklahoma has not used wind power for electric generation is that most of the potential for wind power is in western Oklahoma, an area with very little transmission line.

"Is there some plan to increase the capacity?" Smith asked.

Maddox admitted that the transmission issue remains a problem.

Officials estimate that it costs up to $1 million per mile to lay new transmission line.

Committee members approved the bill on an 8-0 vote. The measure will next be heard by the full Senate.