7 central Washington wind farm proposals on hold
Tue., Oct. 16, 2012
YAKIMA, Wash. - Growth in the wind power industry in the Northwest has stalled.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports at least seven permitted projects in Kittitas and Klickitat counties are on hold.
Kittitas County Economic Development Director David McClure says construction has stopped.
Industry officials say wind power proposals have been affected by changes in regulations and market conditions. A federal tax credit for wind energy producers expires at the end of the year. And wind power is facing more competition from lower natural gas prices. Transmission lines in some places are at capacity.
The wind turbine manufacturer Katana Summit said last month it would close its plant in Ephrata if no buyer wants it.
Local journalism is essential.
Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.
Subscribe now to get breaking news alerts in your email inbox
Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens.
