Commission votes down wind farm
After an 8-month delay initiated by Taos Wind Power, local property owners finally had their day in the County Commission chambers. In a brief appeal hearing this morning, the larger commission reversed Taos Wind Power’s preliminary approval for a special use permit (granted last December by the Planning Commission), citing the lack of corporate organization on the part of Taos Wind Power and the fact that individual property owners had lived long enough “in limbo” over this issue.
With the two former principals of Taos Wind Power now locked in their own legal feud (Taos Wind Power, Inc. has been formally dissolved), the Commission was rightfully convinced that the proposed wind facility was indeed a phantom project undeserving of moving forward.
The proposed location was a violation of the county’s Land Use Code in that it was clearly incompatible with the traditional and current use of the surrounding neighborhood, according to the County Planner last April. It was gratifying to see that the County Commission supported that view today.
If we are to find our way towards large-scale renewable energy, it must be with respect and cooperation of all parties involved, and with consideration for property rights and the rule of law.
A hearty thank you to everyone who has supported efforts to locate projects of this type away from residential areas and valuable wildlife corridors. If you would like to contribute to our remaining legal bill, please send a check directly to Atty Carol A. Neelley, 705-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos NM 87529 and write “Wind Farm Group” on the check. Any amount will be gratefully received.
Talking Wind
8 December 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
Some possibly related stories:
- Taos County Commission rejects proposal for wind farm
- Wind-testing towers removed after county threatens court
- Plan for turbines runs into trouble
- County denies wind farm plan on appeal
- Panel OKs variances for wind farm; Proposed turbines west of Taos draw criticism from neighbors
- Wind farm projects move ahead slowly
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