Governor Gregoire Directs Reconsideration of Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project Recommendation

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today directed the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to reconsider its recommendation to approve the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project.

At Governor Gregoire�s direction, EFSECs reconsideration is limited to the single issue of whether or not the distance between turbines and nearby homes can be increased beyond the EFSEC recommendation while still allowing the project to remain economically viable. EFSEC had recommended a distance equal to four times the height of the wind turbines based on expert testimony. Sixteen nearby homes are not leasing land to the project nor have they otherwise reached an agreement with the developer on mitigation efforts.

�Local sentiment about this project is just as important to me as it was for the Wild Horse Project. Indeed, where possible, I prefer to defer to local decision-makers on siting energy facilities. However, my preference must be weighed relative to this project�s implications and the state�s energy policy objectives,� wrote Governor Gregoire in her letter to EFSEC, dated June 22, 2007.

Under state law, EFSEC makes a recommendation to the Governor, who may then either approve, deny, or return it to EFSEC. EFSEC will act on the reconsideration as quickly as possible.

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