The Whistling Ridge Project has stirred up an ill wind regarding renewable energy versus environmental issues, including the preservation of aesthetics and habitat.  A scaled down version of the project was recently approved by Washington's Governor, Christine Gregoire. 

The Whistling Ridge Project stirs up an ill windOpponents of the Whistling Ridge Project, claim dozens of 430 feet high wind turbines would be visible for many miles within the Columbia River Gorge. In addition, they say the project would destroy acres of forests and harm wildlife, especially migratory birds and bats. 

The Columbia River Gorge recently ranked 6th internationally, and second nationally among sustainable tourist destinations by National Geographic Traveler. The National Scenic Area offers year round recreation amid breath taking vistas.

Travelers driving through the Columbia River Gorge are treated to views of rugged cliffs, mountains, beautiful rivers, and a multitude of waterfalls. The area encompasses 292,500 acres and spans two states, southern Washington and northern Oregon.

The Governnor's scaled down version of the Whistling Ridge Project allows for 35 new wind turbines (instead of 50)  on the north side of the Columbia River Gorge. Gregoire believes the decision meets the need for clean energy resources, and brings needed jobs and revenue to Skamania County.

Developers of the Skamania county Wind Farm say a scaled down version of their project is not financially viable. For now, the Whistling Ridge Project remains on hold. Opponents will likely appeal the Governor's decision, and have 30 days to file legal challenges in Thurston County Superior Court.

It's interesting to note, the proposed Wind Farm would produce less than 25 megawatts out of the more than 17,000 megawatts of current wind energy capacity - including all built, approved and proposed projects in Washington and Oregon. Currently, much of the wind energy produced in the Northwest is shipped to California.

The Governor's approval gives the green light for construction to begin on the project within five years, and that could be extended for another five years.  Therefore, it appears as if the Whistling Ridge Project has the potential to stir up an ill wind for perhaps, years to come.

 The Whistling Ridge Project stirs up an ill wind

If you're looking for an energy efficient home in Clark County, Washington,  I'd love to be your guide. As an EcoBroker, Green Homes are one of my specialties.

If you're interested, here's more to about the Columbia River Gorge:

Exploring Clark County with Mac and Me - The Fruit Loop, A day of Distractions

Fall Hiking - The Columbia River Gorge

Downtown Camas - Gorge -ous Artwork

 

 

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13 Comments on The Whistling Ridge Project stirs up an ill wind.

MAR
11
2012
725,437 Points 103 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Debb - I haven't been following this one, but energy generation contoversies and the Columbia Gorge kind of go hand in hand. My guess, and it's just that, is that there are probably plenty of other workable sites in the state of Washington for projects such as this.
10:52am • #1
356,032 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am a big fan of green energy, but it seems to me the wind turbines (although improvements have been made) aren't all that efficient yet. Great strides have been made this past 2 years with solar energy. But that would mean we'd independently have more of our own energy. Let's hope, as you say, the 'ill winds' don't blow for a whole 10 years. 
11:35am • #2
953,354 Points 52 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debb, there will always be those for and against change!    Will be interesting to hear how this ends up, and whether or not this energy project will save our energy!
12:01pm • #3
469,758 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dick, in 2007, ( I think, or thereabouts), Washington voters agreed to an initiative to encourage more clean energy development. It also offers projects subsidies, therefore, it's attractive for business. However, siting issues were not carefully mandated - hence this controversial mess.

Rene, I feel the same way. The turbine projects are kind of a problem. We're getting too much to handle systems in some of the Wind Farms, and they've actually had to feather them to reduce the power output. Hopefully, technology can fix some of these early issues. In addition, they do create a bit of noise pollution, etc.

Joan, I hope it doesn't go through, I don't think it's a smart or necessary addition to our Wind Power Projects in the Pacific Northwest.

12:01pm • #4
1,924,509 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I've always thought it was a little weird that they have us paying for green energy on our bill if we want to use it. (yet 90% is shipped to California) How can they decide who uses green power and who doesn't. (Seems like a scam to make people feel better)
12:07pm • #5
378,688 Points 84 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debb- The Columbia River Gorge, ranked 6th internationally, and 2nd nationally among sustainable tourist destinations by National Geographic Traveler is indeed a huge and well deserved honor. However, no matter what you can't please everyone and hopefully this turns out a happy medium! You do live in one of the most beautiful states!

12:13pm • #6
932,868 Points 73 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debb...looks like the struggle will continue for a few years at least.  Will a significant number of new jobs gets created?
1:41pm • #7
905,565 Points 93 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We're experiencing a similar battle here on the coast of NC. I'm all for clean efficient renewable energy. But I also love my wildlife... It's not an easy decision. In either case, (yours or mine) someone's not going to be happy.
2:39pm • #8
463,362 Points 9 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

One thing for sure about life is that you can't please everybody. We had a place back home in NY that had these. Have a great week
6:30pm • #9
201,876 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Wind turbines have caused lots of environmental issues in areas surrounding "wind farms".  These projects haven't proven to be as green as we would like.  Probably a good thing they have been put on hold. 
9:14pm • #10
MAR
12
2012
469,758 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Todd, a lot of has to do with mandates and initiatives. Many power companies are getting subsidies and have deadlines for producing clean energy. In the NW, we get wind - especially in the Gorge.

Kristine, it's a beautiful natural treasure. I'm hoping this particular project doesn't go through. It might set a precedence for future clean energy sites.
7:03am • #11
469,758 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Anita, yes, I'm assuming for time it would create needed jobs and provide revenue for Skamania County.

Craig, at this point, I think most states need to make sure they get correct siting issues resolved. Wind power is still in it's beginning stages - hopefully, the technology can hurry up and fix some issues.

Sharon - it's a constant balancing act.

Marge, you are very correct. I agree with your assessments.

8:46am • #12
MAR
13
2012
702,108 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Debb,

The numbers I read say the new wind project will produce 25 megawatts out of a total available of 17,000 or .147 %. Small percentage of the total to cause all of these issues and concerns. Someone needs to rethink the viability of this whole project.
8:43am • #13


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