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Advocates Applaud Governor Approval of
Kittitas County Wind Farm
Regional advocates today praised Washington Governor Christine Gregoire for granting final approval to the 230-megawatt Wild Horse Wind Power Project in Kittitas County. The Wild Horse project is the very first renewable energy facility to receive a site certificate from Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). Both EFSEC and the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project.
“We applaud Governor Gregoire’s support of this project. Tapping domestic renewable resources like wind helps put Washington on the path to a clean and sustainable energy future,” said Rachel Shimshak, Director of the Renewable Northwest Project, a regional clean energy advocacy organization.
“EFSEC conducted a rigorous review of this project and we appreciate the Council taking the time to learn about the specifics of wind power in the process,” said Troy Gagliano, a Senior Policy Associate with the Renewable Northwest Project.,
Zilkha Renewable Energy is developing Wild Horse and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will receive its output and own the facility. The project will consist of approximately 130 turbines and will generate enough clean electricity to supply about 57,500 typical Washington homes.
In addition to generating clean electricity, the wind project also will provide a significant economic boost to the county through jobs and property taxes. During construction the project is expected to employ up to 250 workers while ongoing operations will create about 14-18 permanent, family-wage jobs. The wind turbines will generate approximately $2,000,000 each year in new property taxes that the county can use to support local schools, roads and other vital public services.
The Renewable Northwest Project is a regional nonprofit advocacy organization promoting responsible development of wind, solar and geothermal resources in the Pacific Northwest.
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