Wind Power News: Washington
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 reproduced here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Bigger blades bound for Dayton wind farm in retrofit project
DAYTON – Turbine blades even bigger than the originals will start to travel through the community for a “re-powering” of the Marengo wind project northeast of here. PacifiCorp, the parent company of Pacific Power, will retrofit its 78 turbines in a $210 million upgrade expected to infuse jobs and tax revenue while increasing the company’s annual wind facility energy production by 37 percent. The work is expected to extend the life of the wind farm by 30 years, said Project Manager . . . Complete story »
Will a new energy project lure eagles to their death?
A proposed energy storage project in the Columbia Basin is drawing concern from bird advocates. They’re worried new water ponds could attract waterfowl and eagles that could then be struck by nearby wind turbines. The Goldendale pumped hydro storage project would work like a giant battery. Green energy advocates say this type of storage is crucial to getting more renewable power on the grid. The project would be able to store renewable energy for times when the wind isn’t blowing . . . Complete story »
Legislature passes clean energy bill
OLYMPIA – In what many would see as a fitting nod to Earth Day, the Legislature gave final passage to a measure committing the state to being off carbon-based energy by 2045. The 100% clean energy bill that would require electric utilities to meet certain energy standards over the next 25 years passed the Senate on a 29-20 partisan vote Monday. Climate change is “the moral issue of our time,” said primary sponsor Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle. The bill is . . . Complete story »
Put wind turbines on the west side
Wind turbines are an environmental travesty. Stop at the viewpoint between Yakima and Ellensburg. The beautiful Cascades in the distance are marred by the wind turbines in the foreground. The state forced the county to allow them,The rustic, historic hills south of Kennewick are now a scene from “Star Trek.” Travel from Boardman toward Portland. The majestic Columbia River flows through canyons and desert, however the views are ruined forever by the wind turbines on both sides of the river. . . . Complete story »
Gov. Inslee’s run for president will cost Washington residents
SB 5116 will require us to have 100 percent low carbon energy by 2045. But the key is that most of our low carbon emitting hydro and nuclear are not included. To make things even more expensive, natural gas is also on the list of fuels that will be excluded. Can you imagine what our hillsides will look like if we have to rely on wind farms to provide electricity to all of Seattle? There is no way to estimate the final cost to the consumer, but if you think your electric bill is high now, hang onto your wallet — it's going to go much higher. Complete story »
Skookumchuck Wind Project turbines could be running by end of 2019
The energy company behind the 38-turbine wind energy project along the Lewis-Thurston county line is nearing the construction phase as the environmental permitting process wraps up. “As long as we can get the (final environmental impact statement) on the street, published by mid-next week, I think we’ll be OK,” said Sean Bell, senior development manager with RES-Americas. Bell said construction on the Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project is slated to begin in April, with the turbines up and running at the . . . Complete story »
Commissioners prevented poverty
Avista electric customers can rest assured that electricity prices will not skyrocket to levels that afflict HydroOne’s Ontario customers, now that Washington’s and Idaho’s utility commissions rejected the Avista Corp. acquisition, a ploy that Financial Post calls “fake capitalism for monopolies.” High electric bills devastate rural Ontario today, according to CKWS TV News. The cost of HydroOne’s electricity remained secretive here while Ontario’s rates zoomed to North America’s highest. In 2013, 392,962 Ontario electric customers could not pay electricity bills . . . Complete story »
Feds seek public comment on wind energy project
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement and habitat conservation plan for a proposed wind energy project in the region. The Skookumchuck Wind Energy project’s 38 wind turbines will be built in Lewis County, but Thurston County residents can comment, too, because the project will result in infrastructure improvements to roads and bridges in the southern part of the county, spokeswoman Ann Froschauer said. Residents can comment in the following ways: . . . Complete story »
Stung by failed carbon fee, greens focus on renewables
Climate hawks began to shift their focus yesterday from a defeated carbon fee referendum in Washington state to boosting renewables in states where Democrats wrested control of legislatures and governors’ mansions from Republicans. Heading into Tuesday’s midterms, greens had hoped a win in Washington, where a ballot initiative asked voters to approve a fee on carbon emissions, would propel a series of state carbon-pricing plans nationwide. But with the carbon fee headed for a resounding defeat, environmentalists said they would . . . Complete story »
Wash. carbon fee goes down in setback to greens nationally
A proposed carbon fee in Washington state appeared headed for resounding defeat yesterday, capping off a disappointing night at the ballot box for climate hawks. Voters also overwhelmingly rejected a renewable portfolio standard in Arizona and an enhanced oil and gas setback proposal in Colorado. The Washington loss is the third time in three years a carbon pricing proposal has failed in the Evergreen State. It deals greens a massive setback nationally just as the idea of pricing carbon dioxide . . . Complete story »
