The Pentagon was concerned that the giant wind turbines would interfere with the Air Force 50-year old radar system. Please see DWG's diary, "Air Force "bombs" large wind farm in Oregon" from two weeks ago for more background.

The Pentagon's reversal came after protests by Oregon's congressional delgation, The Oregonian reported.

Wyden said he met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday at the White House and spoke with a Gates' deputy today. Gates agreed that the homeland security concerns shouldn't thwart home-generated energy, Wyden said: "It was clear to me that he understood it was possible to do both." Wyden said he will work with the Pentagon to ensure that concerns about wind farm conflicts with radar are addressed early in the process rather than at "the 11th hour."

Voters also played am important role in getting the Pentagon to withdraw its objections, the Dalles Chroncicle reported.

"This controversy started out two weeks ago with low-level staffers, but it’s now ratcheted up to the White House itself," said Paul Woodin, executive director of The Dalles-based Community Renewable Energy Association. "There’s been a tremendous outpouring of e-mail." ... Wyden’s discussion Wednesday with Gates was just a day after more than 85 people packed each of two public meetings in Ione and Arlington to hear about the status of Shepherds Flat, which is expected to create more than 700 construction jobs and millions in royalty payments for farmers and ranchers in Gilliam and Morrow counties.

Construction had been scheduled to start this Saturday and now can proceed. Upon successful completion, the Shepherds Flat wind farm will produce 845 megawatts of power, "which is the equivalent of a nuclear power plant". The joint statement said:

DoD’s announcement today will allow the FAA – which on behalf of the Pentagon had formally placed the project on hold -- to remove all "notices of presumed hazard" thus clearing the way for Caithness Energy to begin hiring the more than 700 construction workers that will be needed to build Shepherds Flat.

"This is great news for thousands of families who will earn a paycheck because of work on this project. And it will help contribute to Oregon’s emergence as a global leader in clean energy production," Merkley said.

"In allowing this project to go forward both the White House and the Pentagon have underscored their commitment to U.S. energy security," Wyden said.

So, yes more of this type of "energy security" and less of the kind of energy insecurity we're seeing along the Louisiana coastline. Projects like this are how we can meet the future energy needs of the United States, create jobs, and reduce our greenhouse footprint. Win!