Committee advances wind farm moratorium bill
Credit: Associated Press, www.therepublic.com 23 February 2012 ~~
BOISE, Idaho — A bill that calls for putting a two-year moratorium on new wind energy projects has narrowly made its way out of a House committee.
After more than three hours of testimony Wednesday, the House Local Government Committee approved the measure on a 6-5 vote. The bill would also require lawmakers to undertake a two-year study of the wind power industry’s overall impact in the state.
Idaho Falls Rep. Erik Simpson argues it’s time to slow an industry he blames for increasing costs on utilities and power customers.
Others complain the rapid growth of wind farms has come at the expense of residents who have seen their property values decline.
But opponents like Republican Rep. Christy Perry of Nampa say the moratorium would unfairly jeopardize future projects worth millions of dollars.
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