House Passes Wind Energy Bill

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced the House of Representatives has passed H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act, legislation designed to help our nation's infrastructure make more efficient use of wind energy.

The legislation includes provisions authored by Smith which encourage research and development to efficiently create high-voltage transmission of wind energy generated in Nebraska to other parts of the country.

Nebraska ranks sixth in wind energy potential, behind North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota and Montana, but lacks transmission capacity. Smith's language helps foster new technologies allowing Nebraska to fully realize its energy potential.

"Nebraska has tremendous wind energy potential, but our energy infrastructure needs to have the ability to transport this energy throughout the country. Otherwise, it is the equivalent of building a restaurant in the middle of a pasture.

"Wind energy should be part of our nation's diverse energy portfolio, which is why I want to encourage research and development into new technologies allowing us to make the most of our natural energy resources," Smith said.

Source