Illinois State Hosts Wind Power Conference, June 28-29

Date: 6/7/07
Contact: Eric Jome

Illinois State University will host the “Advancing Wind Power in Illinois” conference on Thursday and Friday, June 28-29, at the Double Tree Hotel, 10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington.

The conference will bring together nationally recognized wind energy experts and local policymakers to examine ways to promote further growth of wind energy production in the state. Conference sessions will cover all aspects of wind energy including site location and zoning, project design, financing, regulations, and energy markets. An optional tour of Horizon Wind Energy’s Twin Groves Wind Farm will also be a part of the conference.

Featured speakers on Thursday, June 28 will include Jack Lavin, executive director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, addressing wind energy and job creation; Larry Flowers, national co-director, Wind Powering America, Department of Energy, speaking on wind energy and agriculture; and Beth Soholt of the advocacy organization Wind on the Wires, addressing regional issues regarding energy transmission. Friday, June 29 speakers will include Howard Learner, Environmental Law and Policy Center, on the current status of wind energy policy and projects in Illinois; and Phil Dougherty, Co-Director, Wind Powering America, Department of Energy, on the critical need for wind energy development.

For conference registration information and a complete list of speakers, session topics and times visit www.wind.ilstu.edu

The “Advancing Wind Power in Illinois” Conference is hosted by Illinois State University through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and designed by the Illinois Wind Working Group which consists of key wind energy stakeholders from the public and private sectors.