06/15/09

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) _ Cabinet leaders with the Obama
administration say they'll work to help Western states accelerate
the development of a robust system for delivering renewable power
to regional customers.

Western governors say a lack of effective transmission is one of
the biggest impediments in the development of solar, wind and
geothermal power.

Speaking at the Western Governors' Association's annual meeting
Monday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said fast-tracking permits
for renewable energy projects and transmission is a top priority
for the administration.

He says four Western states: Arizona, California, Nevada and
Wyoming _ will get federal renewable energy planning offices to
help make sure projects don't get stalled in local bureaucracy.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu also announced $80 million in
federal stimulus money to develop the next generation of
high-voltage transmission networks.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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