T. Boone Pickens - Takes a Time Out - Pampa Wind Farm

As part of his "army", at least from an email message I received, T. Boone Pickens, wants to clear up misinformed or misinterpreted media stories about his proposed wind farm in Pampa, Texas.

Mr. Pickens wants to make it "very clear with you that I am delaying, not cancelling, the project".

The project, a proposed 10 billion dollar wind energy farm will be postponed until 2013 when Texas is expected to complete a 4.9 billion dollar transmission line, said Mr. Pickens in Washington.

Mr. Pickens hopes an article from Bloomberg from July 8th titled "Texas Wind Project Won't Be Canceled", by Daniel Whitten "will help clarify exactly where things are." Citing the current "economic situation in the U.S. and around the world", the decision to delay the project is due more on the absence of new transmission lines then any loss for support in wind energy as part of any Pickens plan.

Mr. Pickens has asked Americans to consider a number of different ideas for renewable energy. While promoting wind technology, Mr. Pickens has also proposed an energy plan that relies on domestically produced natural gas to cut American dependence on foreign oil and producers.

Recently Mr. Pickens spoke while also promoting legislation intended to encourage development of natural gas powered vehicles.

New transmission lines will continue to be a problem for any large scale alternative energy farm.

Regardless of the technology, wind farms in Texas, solar farms in the Southeast, or new hydro-electric generating plants in our rivers and waterways new transmission lines need to be funded and built.

In the 50's President Eisenhower's plan for "highways across America" changed the American landscape and lifestyle forever. Today's leaders need to recognize that the new "highways" for energy transmission offers the same promise of change and lifestyle that the U.S. Interstate Highway did for our country.

I have heard Mr. Pickens criticized because of potential profits from his energy ideas. At 81 years old, and already a very, very, rich man, Mr. Pickens does not have to be crossing the country promoting renewable energy, energy independence, and the need for new transmission of energy.

I believe that Mr. T. Boone Pickens continues to stump for renewable energy because he knows that continued dependence on foreign oil will drain the resources and economic well-being of our country, now and in our future. So.

As a "member" of your "army" Mr. Pickens. I salute you!

Brett