Regional Renewable Energy Advocates Applaud
Washington Supreme Court Decision to
Affirm Permit for Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project

November 20, 2008 - The Washington State Supreme Court made a historic decision today to continue the growth of the Northwest’s renewable energy resource potential by confirming a Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (WAEFSEC) decision approving a permit for the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project.

“This decision is a strong, pivotal signal in the development of a clean energy future for Washington, and demonstrates that project developers who meet the rigorous habitat and wildlife criteria for new renewable projects, and engage the community in their effort, can be successful,” said Rachel Shimshak, director of the Renewable Northwest Project, a regional renewable advocacy organization (RNP). “This decision should be celebrated as an affirmation of Washingtonians’ strong support for renewable energy and its benefits to our economy and environment.”

The project sponsor, Horizon Wind Energy, followed and/or exceeded the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) guidelines to ensure that the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project is developed in a manner that protects wildlife and habitat. Horizon Wind Energy conducted extensive wildlife and habitat surveys, is committed to post-construction monitoring, and has established a 550-acre conservation reserve program to mitigate for unavoidable impacts to habitat. Horizon Wind Energy also altered the project layout to respond to local concerns. Throughout its process, Horizon earned the support of local citizens, and state and regional environmental organizations.

The Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project is located 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg, Washington. The project will produce up to 101 megawatts of renewable energy—enough to serve over 25,000 customers in the Northwest. The project will avoid approximately 60,000 tons of CO2 annually.

The Renewable Northwest Project is a regional, non-profit organization of public interest organizations and energy businesses that promote solar, wind and geothermal in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

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Click here to download this press statement in PDF format.