August 13, 2024 |
Photo – American Clean Power Week announcement – Courtesy American Clean Power Association
The Rawlins city council under Mayor Terry Weickum recently honored wind energy by declaring this “American Clean Power Week.” During the August 6th Rawlins city council meeting, Mayor Terry Weickum read a proclamation recognizing August 12th through the 16th as American Clean Power Week. Mayor Weickum said wind energy plays an important financial role in Rawlins, Carbon County, and the entire state.
Continuing to read from the proclamation, Mayor Weickum said Carbon County is the second-largest producer of wind-powered electricity in the state. Once the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project is completed, the mayor said Carbon County will contain the largest wind turbine field in Wyoming.
In total, Mayor Weickum said Carbon County has the potential to produce 4,600 megawatts of wind power.
None of the clean energy generated by with the wind turbines sprouting up on the open lands in Carbon County will be delivered locally. All the electricity is bound for the Pacific Northwest.
PacifiCorp Director of Wind Operations Laine Anderson thanked the mayor for the proclamation. PacifiCorp is responsible for the TB Flats, Ekola Flats, and Foote Creek wind turbine projects. Mayor Weickum returned the sentiment, saying PacifiCorp’s projects financially contribute to the state and local economy.
American Clean Power Association Director of Western Affairs Bo Downen also thanked the city for the proclamation. The American Clean Power Association is an organization that represents renewable energy producers in the United States, including wind, solar, and hydrogen. Downen said Carbon County’s willingness to embrace wind energy has financially benefited residents.
Mayor Weickum officially declared this week as American Clean Power Week and encouraged residents to learn more about the economic benefits of wind energy in Carbon County.
