7 central Washington wind farm proposals on hold

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.