In Washington, voters passed I-937 which calls for 15% of the electricity which utilities sell us come from "renewable sources" such as generators which rely upon wind, solar, biomass, wave and geothermal. Unfortunately, in our state, nearly all of the hydroelectric power is NOT classified as renewable----which is the subject of a later discussion.
In Oregon, the renewable portion of electricity is 25% by 2025 and wind has shown to be the most promising source in both states----but there are problems.
First, potential wind power generating sites are limited. Many are on the east side of mountain ranges or adjacent to gorges and there in lies the problem. In Washington, two sites are controversial---one just east of the Columbia River Gorge and the other between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. While both have strong potential to spin propellers to generate electricity, some object to them saying they are unsightly, impact their views and harm wildlife.
In Oregon, environmental groups are fighting projects in the southeastern part of the state which are adjacent to the Steens Mountain Wilderness. According to The Oregonian, environmental groups claim the 250-foot turbines, access roads and transmission lines would harm fragile wildlife, such as sage grouse and pygmy rabbits, and destroy a scenic treasure.
Each of the projects would have 40 to 70 wind turbines and produce enough electricity for 30,000 homes and put much needed revenues into local taxing districts for school, roads and police and fire protection. It would replace federal money when the federal timber revenue expires next year.
Basically, the ranchers, rural cities and community leaders wants the projects and a contingent of environmental groups don't. So, the questions is, where will the electricity come from to meet the renewable requirements for 2020 and 2025?
There are "trade-offs," a concept which seems to be an endangered species these days!
Don C. Brunell, President (DonB@awb.org)
