3rd Annual UMKC Energy Symposium

I’d like to take a moment to briefly highlight an upcoming event at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (my law school alma mater).  The event, hosted by the University and held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City, will feature a number of interesting speakers all focusing upon the them of “Expanding Business Opportunities in … Continue reading

U.S. FWS Releases Wind Project Guidelines

On March 23, 2012 the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, released guidelines designed to help wind energy project developers avoid and minimize impacts of land-based wind projects on wildlife and their habitats.  These voluntary Guidelines, which take effect immediately, are designed to provide Best … Continue reading

States Renew Interest in Renewable Energy Standards

Despite the doom and gloom that seems to be dominating the renewable energy headlines of late, I’ve noticed an interesting trend that should bode very well for the continued development of renewable energy in the United States.  While the Federal Government’s lack of action on the 1603 grant has cast serious uncertainty about the future … Continue reading

New 420 MW Kansas Wind Project Announced By BP Wind Energy North America

We here at Renewable Energy Law Insider would like to congratulate BP Wind Energy North America Inc. (BPWENA) on its announcement of a new 420 MW wind project located in Barber and Kingman Counties, Kansas.  The new wind project, known as Flat Ridge 2, will be located approximately 60 miles southwest of Wichita, Kansas.  Kansas … Continue reading

Renewable Term of the Week: Feed-in Tariffs

Feed-in Tariffs (FITs): A feed-in tariff (often referred to as FITs) is a governmental policy that is intended to encourage renewable energy development by guaranteeing that project developers will be able to enter into long-term purchase agreements for the electricity they generate from renewable resources.
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Origins of Wind Power: Mr. Brush’s Windmill Dynamo

Every once in a while, I stumble across something so good that I have to share it with you all.  Here’s the back-story.  I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of first-movers.  It takes a peculiar mix of genius, foresight and a seemingly illogical disregard of risk to do something truly original.  Being the geek that I am, a … Continue reading

Kansas Wind and Solar Developers Are Subject to New Requirements

Effective July 1, 2011, wind and solar project developers in the state of Kansas are subject to a number of new requirements.  These new requirements were proposed in Kansas Senate Bill 227, which was introduced by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Senator Carolyn McGinn.  The Bill passed through Committee and the … Continue reading

Renewable State Updates: Kansas

Today, I will continue my well-intentioned but perhaps ill-advised plan to provide you, my loyal readers, with state-by-state updates of recent noteworthy renewable energy stories (seriously, 50 states…what was I thinking?).   Fortunately, today’s state, Kansas, is near and dear to my heart.  As I’m sure most of you are aware, Kansas is exceptionally windy.  NREL and AWEA have ranked Kansas’ wind resource #2 … Continue reading

Renewable State Updates: Arizona

It has been an active few months for renewable energy in the United States, as several states have made headlines or advanced new renewable energy legislation. Over the next few posts, I’ll be highlighting a few of the most noteworthy renewable energy stories from a few of the states within Polsinelli Shughart PC’s ever-growing footprint.  … Continue reading