Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today unveiled an energy policy that calls for increased wind energy development but “restraint” on putting wind projects in the Flint Hills.

Sebelius said electric utilities should derive 10 percent of their total output in Kansas from renewable energy sources by 2015.

Tax break fueling push for wind farms (12-28-04) Plan would limit wind energy farms (11-23-04) Governor urges restraint on wind farms in Flint Hills (11-22-04)

But, she said, she also wanted to protect the scenic and cultural qualities of the Flint Hills, which is home to the largest expanse of the fast-disappearing Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem.

“I am calling on our utilities and wind energy developers to continue to show restraint on wind energy development in the Heart of the Flint Hills,” Sebelius said.

Her plan also calls for:

— A budget request of $800,000 to match federal monies to purchase conservation easements.

— Allowing counties to develop rules and processes for evaluating wind energy proposals.

— An assessment by the Kansas Department of Commerce on tourism, wind energy and other economic development opportunities in the Flint Hills.

— Preparation of an analysis on the impact of requiring state facilities to acquire 2.5 percent to 5 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

— Urging Congress to extend federal tax credits for wind energy.

Sebelius said she was trying to strike a balance between protecting the Tallgrass Prairie and wind energy by establishing a “Heart of the Flint Hills Area” where placement of wind towers would be delayed if and until local officials could put guidelines in place and the state could assess economic strategies for the region.

The restricted area is bounded by U.S. Highway 24 to the north, Kansas Highway 77 to the west, U.S. Highway 400 to the south and Kansas highways 99 and 4 to the east.

When Sebelius’ policy was first recommended in November by her advisers, some wind developers said the policy essentially shut down some potential projects.

But Lee Allison, Sebelius’ top energy adviser, said because it has been difficult for wind energy developers to find energy buyers in the designated area, the proposal has no impact on current wind development.

“We have not shut down the Flint Hills,” he said.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Saturday’s Journal-World.