Getting caught up here on some news that I missed. I’ve written before about attempts by environmental groups to protect Steens Mountain from energy development. Environmental groups wanted the state to add Steens Mountain to a list of places in Oregon where energy development is prohibited. But the Energy Facility Siting Council – which...
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Time is running out if you want to comment on a proposal to ban energy development on Steens Mountain.
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A controversial plan to build a county owned wind farm near Hood River is dead. County officials came up with the idea as way to make up for falling revenues from timber sales. But many people in the area were opposed, saying it would ruin scenic views, lower property values, and cause problems for...
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A huge sigh of relief was heard across Eastern Oregon. The Pentagon says it will no longer try to block construction of a massive wind farm in Gilliam and Morrow counties. At stake were millions of dollars in spending and hundreds of jobs.
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It’s in Massachusetts, not Oregon. But considering there’s at least one proposal to build an offshore wind farm along our coast, I think this is a read-worthy story. Associated Press: Gov’t OKs 1st US offshore wind farm By approving the project, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is also rejecting arguments that the project will harm...
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When it comes to building wind farms in Oregon, the size of the project really does matter. Small wind farms, those producing 104 megawatts or less, go before county governments for approval. Larger wind farms require state permission. The process is very different, depending on which government makes the decision. The state process involves...
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The growing debate over wind farms and their impacts on the environment were laid out before a group of state regulators Friday afternoon in Hood River. The Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) is being asked to clear up confusion over how to define a “large” wind farm. It’s important because large projects are regulated...
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The House is expected to vote this week on changes to Oregon’s Business Tax Credit. Better known as BETC (pronounced Betsy), the tax credits have played a huge role in boosting renewable energy in the state. BETC has turned out to be so popular, that legislators are now worried the credits have become too...
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General Electric says it’s signed a $1.4 billion dollar deal to build and supply turbines for a massive wind farm near Arlington. Called the Shepherd’s Flat Wind Farm, it covers about 32,000 acres in Gilliam and Morrow counties. GE says it will provide 338 turbines that will produce about 845 megawatts of power. Construction...
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Save Money On New Light Bulbs Energy Trust of Oregon is sponsoring state-wide discounts on compact fluorescent light bulbs. No coupon necessary. Retailers across the state are dropping prices. For a complete list of where to get the discount, see this story from the Salem Statesman Journal. Maybe The Dam Should Stay Some in Jackson...
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