Public forum on wind energy in Western North Carolina to be held March 7
BOONE—The North Carolina Wind Working Group will hold a public forum on wind energy in western North Carolina Friday, March 7, from 4-7 p.m. at the N.C. Arboretum Auditorium in Asheville.
The auditorium is located on the first floor of the arboretum’s Education Center. For directions, visit www.ncarboretum.org, call (828) 665-2492 or e-mail Peggy Eavenson at peavenson@ncarboretum.org.
This meeting will provide a forum for the public – from local government representatives, local environmental and business groups, and residents – to voice their support, questions and concerns about wind energy development in the region.
A panel of environmental and technical experts will address topics such as Western North Carolina wind resources, benefits of wind energy, wind energy concerns, and the process of developing a wind project. A question and answer period will follow.
Dr. Dennis Scanlin, coordinator of the appropriate technology program at Appalachian State University, will facilitate the meeting. Scanlin wants to make sure that North Carolina prepares for a future that includes diverse energy resources.
“Through wind mapping and data collection, it is clear that Western North Carolina has significant wind resources,” he said. “Experience around the nation and in Europe shows that wind energy development, responsibly sited, can provide a renewable, environmentally friendly source of power. Wind development will also provide an economic boost to local communities and improve our energy security.”
The North Carolina Wind Working Group is an alliance among environmental groups, policy makers, industry members, educators, and citizen action groups who actively pursue wind power options by promoting supportive legislation and responsible siting criteria for development in North Carolina. For more information about the alliance, visit www.wind.appstate.edu/wwg.php.
For more information on the meeting, contact Brent Summerville at the Appalachian State University Energy Center at (828) 262-7333 or e-mail at wind@appstate.edu.
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