The New England Wind Energy Education Project (NEWEEP) will host a 1-day conference and workshop on June 7th in Marlborough for policymakers, engaged citizens, educators, students, utility representatives, and the media to learn more about wind energy and the wind development community. NEWEEP is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America initiative under a 2-year grant.

The conference/workshop will focus on presenting balanced information relevant to issues of importance to individuals and communities affected by wind energy proposals throughout New England, including environmental and economic benefits as well as siting concerns. Our goal is to ensure that participants know where to go to obtain the latest research, identify areas where more research is needed, and identify strategies for continuing the NEWEEP effort.

This one-day conference/workshop will start with presentations and discussion panels. In addition, facilitated breakout sessions will allow participants to collectively brainstorm issues associated with wind development, siting, and permitting, and to identify areas where more credible research is needed and how to oversee and fund it.

NEWEEP’s premise is that wind energy has benefits and that responsibly-sited wind power has a role to play in New England, but, not every place is the right place for wind generation. NEWEEP’s mission is to seek and make available the best information possible to support good decisions.

The conference/workshop is intended for:

• * Policy implementers-including state, regional and local regulatory/planning authorities, municipal officials (e.g. selectmen, planning board, board of health, etc.), siting and permitting officials and staff
• Policymakers-including legislators, politicians and regulators
• Engaged citizens-including those impacted by existing or planned wind power projects, members of local energy committees. Community organizations either supportive of or concerned about wind energy in their midst
• Educators, students, utility representatives, the press, and members of the general public interested in learning more about wind energy
• The wind development community

Further information about the conference (including registration information when available) is at the NEWEEP web site.