Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges we face today, and we must keep an open mind when considering solutions. We've already seen how investing in clean energy can boost our economy and provide jobs. We should continue to develop these benefits right here in Kansas, which has the third-best wind potential of any state.

It’s time to get serious about Renewable Energy. We need to invest in the home-grown energy of the future, not the energy of the past.

We need to harness the power of the wind and the sun. Rock Port, MO is the first town in the U.S. to operate solely on wind power. We have begun to rebuild Greensburg, KS as a “green” town. Let’s encourage further renewable energy developers to contribute to our efforts in Greensburg as an opportunity to put Kansas in the forefront of the march to energy independence.

The march to renewable energy is already underway, and Kansas cannot afford to be left behind. T. Boone Pickens has a plan to develop the Midwest wind-tunnel corridor, creating many thousands of jobs to construct turbines, erect wind farms and string transmission lines to the East and West Coasts. Al Gore is leading an aggressive move to renewable resources for all electricity.

It’s time for Kansans to unite for a solution that’s good for Kansas and good for America. This is a solution that will give Kansans a chance to stay home and have jobs where they have grown up.

Read more about wind energy in the KC Star article from Saturday July 19th.