Wind Power News: Arizona
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Developer studying potential for massive wind farm north of Tucson
A Boston-based developer is exploring the potential for what would be Arizona’s biggest wind farm on an expanse of high desert in Pinal County north of Oracle, about 30 miles north of Tucson. But the company’s plan to erect up to 83 wind turbines at the site known as Oak Wells has already drawn opposition from local ranchers who say the wind farm would harm rangeland as well as the environment and native wildlife. Oak Wells Wind LLC, an Arizona . . . Complete story »
US firm fined $8m after 150 eagles die at its wind farms
A US-based wind energy firm called ESI Energy, has been slapped with an $8m fine after at least 150 eagles died at its wind farms across eight states over the last 10 years. The company has also been given five years of probation. ESI Energy, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, has pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The company acknowledged the deaths of golden and bald eagles since 2012 at its farms in Wyoming, . . . Complete story »
Wind energy company kills 150 eagles in US, pleads guilty
A subsidiary of one of the largest U.S. providers of renewable energy pleaded guilty to criminal charges and was ordered to pay over $8 million in fines and restitution after at least 150 eagles were killed at its wind farms in eight states, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. NextEra Energy subsidiary ESI Energy was also sentenced to five years probation after being charged with three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act during a court appearance in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The . . . Complete story »
Chevelon Butte Wind Farm begins construction south of Winslow
The AES Corporation has begun ramping up construction of the Chevelon Butte Wind Farm. The project site is located in a remote area approximately 20 miles south of Winslow. Construction workers and management staff have moved to the Flagstaff and Winslow areas, and a main project contractor has established an office on Winslow’s Main Street. Residents can expect an uptick in transportation of materials related to the project along the I-40 corridor and on State Route 99 south of Winslow. . . . Complete story »
Arizona regulators reject new clean-energy rules after years of debate
Arizona regulators have again killed rules that would require Tucson Electric Power and other state-regulated power companies to reach 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2070. The latest twist in the years-long effort by the Arizona Corporation Commission to revamp the state’s clean-energy rules drew fire from supporters who say the rules are crucial for Arizona’s future. The commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday to reject the proposed energy rules, with all three Republican commissioners voting against the measure. The commission had . . . Complete story »
In major reversal, Arizona utility regulators kill 100% clean-energy rules in the state
Three Republican utility regulators have voted down a proposal for 100% carbon-free energy in Arizona that was considered, debated, workshopped and offered for public comment for more than five years. The rules appeared on the verge of passage last year when Jim O’Connor, a Republican member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, and Anna Tovar, a Democratic member, reached a compromise. But O’Connor backtracked Wednesday and voted against that deal, saying state rules were not necessary. It was the second time . . . Complete story »
BLM issues decision on proposed wind testing facility
ST. GEORGE, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip Field Office issued a decision that would allow wind testing facilities to move forward on public lands located near Yellowstone Mesa, southeast of Colorado City, Arizona, on the Arizona Strip. “This decision supports the administration’s priorities, including identifying steps to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters,” said Arizona Strip Field Manager Lorraine Christian. “This project also meets the administration’s goal of supporting the rapid development of . . . Complete story »
Arizona regulators poised to vote on new state clean-energy rules
After more than five years of wrangling, Arizona regulators are poised to approve new green-energy standards for state-regulated utilities that supporters say are needed to slow global warming and keep the air clean of unhealthy fossil-fuel emissions. The Arizona Corporation Commission next week is expected to vote on final approval of new energy standards that will require the state’s regulated utilities, including Tucson Electric Power, to get 100% of their power from carbon-free sources like solar, wind and nuclear by . . . Complete story »
Babbitt Ranch wind farm breezes through county planning and zoning
A proposed renewable energy project about 30 miles northwest of Flagstaff is one step closer to becoming reality after it was unanimously approved by the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission last month. Several commissioners said the decision to approve the project, which hopes to bring just more than 50 wind turbines and a solar array to an area just southeast of the community of Grand Canyon Junction/Valle, was not an easy one. Commissioners were mostly concerned about the impacts . . . Complete story »
Here’s how much Arizona’s move to 100% green energy could cost you
Arizona’s proposed move to 100% carbon-free energy will have a “low to moderate” impact on customer bills, with estimated increases varying from as little as about $1.50 to nearly $60 per month for the average Tucson Electric Power home bill by 2050. And as regulators focus on costs, ratepayers can weigh in on draft clean-energy rules requiring a shift to 100% carbon-free energy by 2070, at meetings hosted by the Arizona Corporation Commission beginning next week. Corporation Commission Chairwoman Lea . . . Complete story »
