On June 18 and 19, James Madison University hosts a Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative Wind Symposium. Sessions include:
1. Presentation of the newly-released groundbreaking "20% Wind Energy by 2030" report published by the U.S. Department of Energy and discussion of such benefits associated with the deployment of wind power including the zero emission aspects of this technology; reductions in carbon emissions and water consumption; health benefits, job potential, and related economic opportunities. (Moderated by Jonathan Miles, U.S. Department of Energy).
2. Presentation on the opportunities for offshore wind in Virginia and how a state-funded consortium (VCERC) is collaboratively researching offshore wind potential.
3. Discussion as to the commitments being made by Virginia's largest energy providers to develop wind-generated electric power. Dominion's and AEP's RPS goals and partnerships in new wind projects will be addressed as well as how local co-ops are integrating renewables into their portfolio and updates on net metering. (Moderated by Steve Walz, Governor's Energy Policy Advisor, Panel Speakers include Emil Avram, Dominion Power and Jay Godfrey, Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power)
Registration is closed for this symposium though! So all the NIMBY's in Hampton Roads should instead head south to North Carolina!
North Carolina is holding a Coastal Wind Town Hall meeting on Thursday, June 19th, 7-9pm at Jockey's Ridge State Park Auditorium in Kill Devil Hills. "The NC Solar Center, State Energy Office, and the North Carolina Wind Working Group invite you to learn about wind energy. This educational forum will be a venue for the public - from local government representatives, local environmental and business groups, farmers, residents and even tourists - to voice their questions, concerns, support or apprehensions about wind energy in the coast."
According to a friend of mine, last year it was standing room only (about 150 people) with an overwhelming support of the residents of a tourist-based coastal community. "So, how can our neighbors down South be so far ahead of Virginia and Virginia Beach when us Virginians reference them as being 'hicks' and 'hillbillies' when we make jokes about North Carolinians? Maybe they are much more smarter than us?", he asks.
Here is a link to the announcement of the meeting. It might be helpful to local politicians who plan on running for offices this year to get a sense of what a community that is less than 2 hours away is doing about the energy crisis that we are in.
(Sorry, but here's another Ecotricity wind turbine video. I'm such a junkie for these videos! Please post a link to any good wind turbine videos that you'd like to share.)
"So, how can our neighbors down South be so far ahead of Virginia and Virginia Beach when us Virginians reference them as being 'hicks' and 'hillbillies' when we make jokes about North Carolinians? Maybe they are much more smarter than us?", he asks.
Wow...