Despite having "world class winds," Nebraska lacks a statewide policy to develop its wind energy resources.

The Legislature's Natural Resources Committee plans to address that big hurdle through an interim study this summer. A report of its findings will be made by Dec. 1.

State senators, with the help of two subcommittees and an advisory group, will examine the role of public power utilities, eminent domain, land use, financial benefits and risks, legislation and other issues pertaining to wind generation.

Sen. Chris Langemeier, chairman of the committee, announced the study at a press conference Wednesday.

Nebraska has the potential to use or export about 7,800 megawatts of wind power by 2030. But the state lags behind surrounding states in developing wind energy projects. The state ranks sixth in the nation in wind energy potential.

Nebraska gets about 153 megawatts of electricity from wind now and has an additional 800 megawatts on the drawing board. One megawatt can provide electricity to power about 750 homes for a year.

A report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says that developing 7,800 megawatts could mean 117,000 new jobs, $14 billion in economic development, $641 million in payments to landowners and $570 million in property tax payments.

"My dream is that Nebraska wind can mean property tax relief for Nebraskans," Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, also a member of the committee, told reporters.

Haar said transmission - getting the wind energy to places that can use it - will be an important part of the interim study.

"The timing if perfect. Alternative energy has front-burner emphasis right now," Haar said, citing President Obama's emphasis on developing renewable resources for the future. "We need to be spade-ready."

The study also will look at developing a good model for wind energy development in Nebraska and how many megawatts it needs in the future - 7,800 might not be the right number.

Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton said wind energy represents a "new frontier" for Nebraska and its rural areas.

"We want to craft a policy that will look at the big picture and come back with legislation that will not be a piece-meal approach," Dubas said.

Mary Harding, executive director for the Nebraska League of Conservation Voters, called the interim study a "landmark" for Nebraska, citing the number of senators who will participate and their willingness to give it a very high priority.

"It's a good study. … The Legislature is finally realizing that there are complex issues that need to be addressed," said Shelley Sahling-Zart, vice president for Lincoln Electric System.

Said Haar: "We're taking a step forward - not a step back. We recognize that we can be players at the table or we can wait and be told what to do … People are coming. They want to harvest the wind."

Reach Algis J. Laukaitis at (402) 473-7243 or alaukaitis@journalstar.com.