April 10, 2008
Idaho

Controversy over wind farm in Bingham County

Controversy in Bingham County over a wind farm that will be built in the Wolverine Canyon area. Over 100 people packed into courtroom one in the Bingham County courthouse, all to give their opinion on whether Ridgeline Energy should be allowed to build a 150 turbine wind farm in Bingham County.

This is the second public hearing. The first two weeks ago lasted until almost 1am and only about half of them got to speak.

This hearing started with hearing people in support of the project. They cited the benefits of adding this type of electricity to the grid, the income and the economic benefits to the area and the rental income for the owners.

Most of the residents against cited things like, the noise, that it would be an eyesore, that it would bring down their property values and that it would result in people not being able to use the public lands.

As of airtime, the planning and zoning board were still listening to testimony.
No matter what planning and zoning decides, anyone who doesn’t agree with their decision has 10 days to appeal.

By Mary Sturgill