Governor Gregoire Approves Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that, after extensive review and careful consideration, she has approved the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project.

�It is clear that Washington is growing and with that growth our demands for energy resources also grow. It is the clear and compelling policy of the state to prefer new resources that have the least impact on our state�s natural environment,� wrote Governor Gregoire in her letter to Jim Luce, chair of the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), dated September 18. �Our legislators and our citizens have recently articulated their strong preferences for renewable resources. Those policies are not in doubt and I remain committed to them�The benefits of this Project are considerable and will accrue to the citizens across our state.�

Governor Gregoire in June directed EFSEC to reconsider the recommended setback for some of the turbines from the residences of non-participating landowners. The reconsideration was limited to the single issue of whether or not the distance between turbines and nearby homes could be increased beyond the EFSEC recommendation while still allowing the project to remain economically viable. EFSEC modified the conditions it had originally proposed for the project to require that each individual turbine be located to maximize distance from homes rather that maximize energy production.

�I wish to thank those citizens, particularly those residents of Kittitas County, who took the time and effort to participate in the extensive public process at EFSEC and before the County on this project. The sentiments expressed in their letters and testimony are well reasoned, well argued, and in the vast majority, respectful of those who hold different views. The record is replete with almost every conceivable position on the project from within the County, and if this decision does not reflect the preferred outcome for some, I assure everyone that their voice was heard and their views considered,� said Governor Gregoire in her letter.

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