Capturing the Winds of Change

Great Lakes Wind Collaborative 1st Annual Meeting
May 6-7, 2008
Hyatt Regency - Two Fountain Plaza
Buffalo, New York 14202

Agenda (updated 5/5)

Background
The Great Lakes Wind Collaborative (GLWC) is a group established to build consensus and identify and address issues affecting the planning, development, and operation of wind power facilities in the Great Lakes region. The group provides a forum for dialogue and an opportunity for analysis and exchange of information among key stakeholders to facilitate sustainable wind power development in the region.

Conference Breakout Sessions

• Research and Data Management
  Research, analysis, integration, dissemination and publication of information for decisionmakers. Topics include the Great Lakes Wind Atlas, compilation of relevant environmental data sources, and the identification of other unmet data management and research needs.
• Environmental Planning, Siting and Permitting
  Identifying data sources and gaps in the main topic areas: Wildlife and ecological resources, water management (drainage, spills), visual resources, noise, cultural resources, monitoring impacts in all areas, determining significant impact levels, mitigation measures applied in planning, siting and permitting, review processes and interagency coordination, decommissioning. Addressing trade-offs between wind and other power sources.
• Offshore Aspects of Wind Power
  Siting and design standards for off shore wind energy systems, monitoring impacts in the offshore physical and biological environment, the environmental aspects of off shore transmission, and permitting policies and procedures. Assessing and managing socio-economic effects - aesthetics, navigation, etc. Effects of seasonal weather, especially ice on structures, access.
• Transmission and Power System Integration
  Long-term power needs of the region (demand and system balance) influencing transmission and grid interconnection for achieving the Great Lakes wind vision.
• Economic Development Aspects of Wind Power
  Economic impacts of wind industry: job development, manufacturing infrastructure, installation and maintenance, and energy security needs for the Great Lakes region.

Lodging
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo (Two Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York, USA 14202). A room block is reserved under Great Lakes Commission at the rate of $119, with a governement rate of $86. This special rate will end April 18, 2008.

Call (716) 856-1234 for reservations. Map and directions

Contact
Direct any questions regarding registration to Pat Gable (pegable@glc.org) at the Great Lakes Commission or general questions about the meeting to Becky Pearson (bpearson@glc.org). Both can be reached at 734-971-9135.