Head Winds Buffet Some Wind Energy Projects

WIND POWER  COLUMBIA GORGE  ENVIRONMENT 

By Tom Banse

Olympia, WA  May 12, 2008 4:21 p.m.

The Skamania County prosecutor is asking a judge to throw a wind farm challenge out of court.  Earlier, a citizens group filed suit against the county to stop a proposed wind farm near the Columbia Gorge.

This is the third wind project to run into opposition in the Northwest recently, despite public votes in favor of more renewable energy.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

You know the saying, it’s location, location, location.  In this case, forty-four wind turbines would rise on private timberland just to the north of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

A newly formed citizens group claims the tall windmills would intrude on “treasured” views that the scenic area aims to protect.

Developer Jason Spadaro is puzzled to see a lawsuit before he’s asked for any permits.

Jason Spadaro: “For any group to file suit against the county on an action that has not yet been applied for, it’s confusing to me to know what might be ripe and ready for a suit.”

Elsewhere in the region, local landowners have not hesitated to file preemptory challenges to nip projects in the bud.

On the Oregon side of the gorge by Mosier, a proposal for a 40 turbine wind farm is stuck in the gate as well.

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© 2008 KUOW