OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Opponents of a wind farm on the north side of the scenic Columbia River Gorge say they may appeal Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire’s approval of it.
Meanwhile, one of the developers of the Whistling Ridge Energy Project in Skamania County says the project is on hold.
Jason Spadaro, president of SDS Lumber Co. of Bingen, says he appreciates the governor’s approval but that the reduced size of the approved project is not economically viable right now.
Washington’s energy siting council had recommended that the project be scaled back from 50 to 35 turbines. Gregoire approved the smaller project Monday.
Environmental groups and nearby landowners opposed the project because of its potential visual and noise impacts. The group Friends of the Columbia Gorge says it may challenge the approval in court.
