The largest proposed wind farm in Washington got a partial thumbs up on Wednesday from the state’s energy siting council. The controversial project in southeastern Washington has raised concerns about ridgeline views, tribal cultural resources and endangered hawks.
In a 5-2 vote, Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, or EFSEC, recommended approving the Horse Heaven Hills Clean Energy Center, with a reduced number of wind turbines.
“We have spent a lot of time reviewing this project, gathering information about the impacts, gathering information about the project itself,” said Kathleen Drew, EFSEC chair. “By partially approving the Horse Heaven wind and solar project, EFSEC is balancing the need for renewable, clean energy with potential impacts on tribal cultural resources, wildlife and surrounding communities.”
Benton County representative Ed Brost and the Department of Natural…
