Washington State Court Gives Go-Ahead For Major Wind Energy Project

Miami, FL (AHN) - The Washington state Supreme Court upheld a decision by a regional energy regulator to allow construction of a major wind turbine project that proponents say will provide enough electricity to power up to 30,000 homes in the state.

The Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project, developed by Horizon Wind Energy, and owned by EDP Renovaveis, the world's fourth largest wind-energy producer, was opposed by many in Kittitas County. The court's decision marks the end of a six-year legal battle to stop the project.

The $200-million project calls for the construction of up to 65 wind turbines generators. The location was picked for its wind conditions and the availability of multiple high-voltage transmission lines, according to a Horizon Wind Energy press release.

Horizon Wind Energy said in a statement that the project will yield significant economic benefits to the community in the form of property taxes, payments to landowners, jobs, local spending and "other community investments."

The project was approved six years ago by then-Gov. Chris Gregoire, upon the recommendation of the state Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council.

The Washington Supreme Court ruled this week that state authority trumps local objections.

Residents opposed the project because they said it will ruin views of the Cascade Mountain foothills.