August 2004 Newsletter

Editorial: Wind Farm Proposal Stands Up to Criticism

Thursday, July 1, 2004

Our view: Opposition to windmills in the Albion valley isn't strong enough to topple a new wind farm.

Like a swirling dust storm turning in all directions, the debate over a proposed wind farm near Albion has become rather difficult for Cassia County residents to navigate. Windland Inc. of Boise wants to place 130 wind turbines on 4,600 acres in the Cotterel Mountains surrounding Albion. The farm would produce some of the cheapest and cleanest energy in the West.

The plan has stirred up stiff opposition from some Albion residents who don't want windmills spinning on their scenic horizon.

These opponents make a practical case that the wind farm won't provide as many local benefits as it may seem. But the proposal still appears to be a boon for the national energy market, and southern Idaho.

A contingent of about 75 Albion residents gathered last week to hear opponents state their case against Windland's project. While numerous points were made about the environmental and financial impact of the project, the overriding argument was that the serene Cotterel Mountains are the wrong place. Why? The argument boils down to aesthetics.

"The U.S. needs alternative energy sources," said Jim Wahlgren, a leading opponent of the project. "I'm just against windmills in one of the prettiest valleys in Idaho."

That statement is a classic case of a NIMBY Not in my back yard mentality. But that argument still isn't strong enough to stop the project.

Windmills have minimal emissions and they require no water – both rare characteristics among current energy sources. Compared to a coal plant, a natural gas well, a nuclear plant, or a river dam, the environmental impact is light. Opponents also point to a noise issue, but these turbines will be miles away from homes. They also cite impact on wildlife, but it seems unlikely that windmills will significantly damage sage grouse habitat.

The real considerations with windmills are twofold:

* Power goes elsewhere – The grid used by Windland Inc. for its farm will run north to south, while Idaho Power Co.'s grid runs east to west. The power created by this farm will be routed into the Pacific states, and not into Idaho homes.

* Money goes to investors – This project, like most renewable energy projects, is supported by tax subsidies. And the profits will go directly to investors. In spite of these realities, the Windland project, overall, has suitable benefits for southern Idaho. The construction of windmills will create temporary construction jobs. It will add to the tax base of the Mini-Cassia area. And most importantly, it could pave the way toward more prosperous wind energy projects in Idaho's future. That could include projects by Idaho Power.

Basically, opponents of this project don't want to look at windmills miles away on a distant ridge. That doesn't seem to reason enough to scuttle the project.