Gov. Donald Carcieri, R-R.I., recently completed a wind power siting study, which found that the state is able to meet the goal of producing 15% of its energy from wind.
"This study shows that we can make that goal a reality," Carcieri says. "In fact, it makes clear for the first time that Rhode Island enjoys enough wind to achieve five times that amount of electricity generation."
The governor's office stresses that the study is the first step in the process of determining where wind generation facilities might be located. The study indicates that Rhode Island contains almost 100 square miles of area in which wind power is feasible - with 87 square miles under state control. It also found that the state could benefit from the new jobs created from the initiative.
"In the coming weeks, I will be creating a stakeholder process to help us make the final selection of where to locate wind turbines," Carcieri continues. "I am directing the Office of Energy Resources to bring together representatives from affected communities, environmental groups, representatives of the business community, groups that use the public lands and waters under consideration, as well as members of the public."
