Idaho Overcomes Gale Force Wind Resistance From Utilities

March 25th, 2011 by Susan Kraemer



This week a House committee in Idaho’s state assembly killed a bill that would have slapped a two-year moratorium on new wind farms, in a competition-killing bill promoted by utilities who argue that costs will rise.

Republican House Member Erik Simpson of Idaho Falls was out-voted 11-8. His bill aimed to slow the advance of wind power projects in the state by putting a two-year moratorium that would forbid cities, counties, and the state itself from issuing any permits to wind developers.

According to SunValleyOnline, wind supporters warned that wind and other renewable energy developments are bringing millions of dollars in investments, creating hundreds of jobs, and injecting millions more into state and local economies and cash-strapped budgets.

Since the bill has already been killed in committee, without even making it to the floor of the House, it will not have the chance to be passed later – unless a new one is proposed. But an 11-8 vote looks like a solid majority against future attempts at killing wind power in the state.

Idaho, although it has no Renewable Energy Standard has become a long distance resource for nearby states that do.

Even as far away as California, Idaho’s generous supply of gale force wind power is eagerly sought by utilities desperate to find clean power to meet their mandates.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Susan Kraemer@Twitter

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