June 23, 2021
California

Wind turbine project rejected by Shasta Co. Planning Commissioners

By Kelli Saam | Wednesday, June 23rd 2021 | ktvl.com

REDDING, Calif. – A marathon meeting ended with a rejection of a proposed new wind project by the Shasta County Planning Commission.

Tuesday’s meeting started at 1 p.m. and the vote happened just before 11 p.m. The commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0 to deny the Fountain Wind Project. But it will likely be appealed to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors who have the final decision. The commissioners’ vote went against the recommendation of county staff who had recommended approval of the permit.

Due to the interest in the project, the planning commission held a special meeting to take public comment. Supporters and opponents packed the theater at Shasta College.

The proposal includes 70 wind turbines for eastern Shasta County near Montgomery Creek and Round Mountain.

The company behind the project, Connectgen of Houston, wants to invest $300 million in the wind power generation project.

One of the concerns is wildfire danger. Opponents said the turbines will make it difficult to fight fires from the air. But the final environmental impact report said fire concerns have been mitigated.

The project expected to be appealed to the Shasta County Supervisors at a future meeting.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/06/23/wind-turbine-project-rejected-by-shasta-co-planning-commissioners/