Big DOE grant will help western states plan for new energy transmission

The U.S. Department of Energy today handed $12 million to the Western Governors' Association to help 11 states, including Oregon, prepare for new transmission while dealing with future demand for energy, resources, environmental concerns and energy efficiency. The states are developing and evaluating potential new transmission and how it could affect water supplies, wildlife, landscapes and state economies. Money for the project is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grant will support the Western Renewable Energy Zones Initiative. The first phase of the initiative identified areas within the Western Interconnection that have the greatest potential for large scale development of renewable resources, without causing harm to the environment. The grant will help state and public utility officials examine the strengths of different transmission options...read more

More belching.