Wind energy workshop slated July 14

Slated July 14 at the High Plains Technology Center in Woodward, the workshop is geared toward landowners who may be approached for wind energy development, said Shannon Ferrell, assistant professor of agricultural law at Oklahoma State University.

“We want to provide landowners an opportunity to learn the basics of the electrical industry and how wind energy fits into that,” Ferrell said. “We also want them to learn what it takes for the landowners and the developers to have a successful wind energy project and to help landowners make informed decisions when entering into a wind energy lease.”

Ferrell said there are five questions a landowner should ask themselves regarding a wind energy lease. First, how will the wind energy project impact their personal use of the land? Landowners also need to find out how long the project will last, as well as what their own responsibilities are under the agreement.

“Landowners need to know how they are getting paid for the agreement, in addition to what will happen after the agreement is over,” he said. “They need to know if their land will be restored to its original condition, which can include restoring soil or revegitating.”

Other industry professionals will be on hand at the workshop to cover topics such as the impact of wind energy farms on wildlife; how wind farms affect the community in the areas of aesthetics, noise, tax revenue and impact on roads and highways; and the basics of wind energy and the grid.

The workshop is free, but participants are asked to pre-register before July 6 by calling the OSU Cooperative Extension office in Woodward at 580-254-3391. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the workshop will conclude at 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by OG&E.

“This past decade has seen an explosion of wind energy, especially in western Oklahoma, and we expect more growth to come,” Ferrell said. “We believe this workshop will help landowners gain a better understanding of Oklahoma’s wind energy industry, as well as help them take an active part and informed role in its future.”

For more information about the workshop, please contact the Woodward County OSU Extension office at 580-254-3391.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
[email protected]