James William Nichols
Agriculture Producer and Wind Farmer
Former Minnesota Senator

Summary of Experience:
Mr. Nichols has a B.A. from the University of Minnesota (1968). He became a Commissioned Officer after attending the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in 1973. Mr. Nichols also completed graduate work at the South Dakota State University in 1974.

Mr. Nichols has owned and operated a 650-acre family farm in Minnesota for thirty-two years. He has also worked as self-employed building contractor for thirty years.

Mr. Nichols was elected to Minnesota State Senate in 1976, and was re-elected in 1980. He was the appointed Commissioner of Agriculture for Minnesota from 1982 - 1990. Mr. Nichols has also acted as the Director of Economic Development for Sibley County, Springfield, and Lincoln County in Minnesota.

Mr. Nichols was elected Lincoln County Commissioner in 2002 and he has worked as the Midwest Regional Manager, Vestas Wind Turbines (2001) and as the Site Manager for Edison Capital Wind Turbines (2002).

Presentation Area:
Mr. Nichols' presentation will focus on the potential for wind energy development in Minnesota, which imorts energy from Manitoba Hydro. His presentation will be within the Guidelines for the JNFAAT Review as included in the public notice regarding the Wuskwatim hearings made by the CEC in January 2004.