Dear editor,
The Sunflower State is known for many things — world-class barbecue, the invention of basketball, rolling wheat fields, and the home of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. In honor of National Kansas Day this month, we should add another proud accomplishment to the list: our renewable energy leadership. Kansas was recently ranked third nationwide for the share of electricity generated from renewable energy, indicating the incredible value clean power brings to our state.
My role as an operations manager at EDP Renewables North America’s Prairie Queen Wind Farm is a testament to the economic success renewable energy projects bring to our communities. Prairie Queen has generated enough energy to power 54,000 Kansan homes, providing significant economic benefits to the community in the form of job creation and landowner payments.
In Allen County, the Prairie Queen Wind Farm created 21 permanent jobs. These local jobs put food on the table for families by providing a stable income. In addition, the local wind farm saves more than 355 million gallons of water each year and displaces carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants, a major contributor to climate change. Wind energy also enhances air quality by helping to mitigate the health effects of harmful air pollutants.
Our state motto, “To the stars through difficulties,” represents our struggles as well as our resilience and strength. Kansas’s rich history proves our communities will continue to strive toward a better future, and renewable energy provides valuable resources to achieve a better future for generations to come.
Kevin Cook,
Moran, Kan.
