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Chalk one up for Smart Grid renewables. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Air Force have withdrawn their order blocking construction of the 338-turbine Shepherds Flat wind farm in north central Oregon as the result of intense lobbying from members of Oregon's congressional delegation. The wind farm will be the largest in the country and, as a result of the reversal, construction is expected to start immediately. In mid-April, the feds put wind farm developer Caithness Energy's construction plans on hold citing concerns that the turbines would interfere with signals from a radar station located 50 miles away. The Shepherds Flat wind farm represents a huge economic boost for cash-strapped rural Morrow and Gilliam counties which will see 700 new construction jobs, $130 million in tax revenues over 20 years and more millions in royalties for the farmers and ranchers who host turbines on their property. Defense officials made it clear that their reversal was not to be taken as a precedent for future wind farms in Oregon or elsewhere.
Quick Take: We were critical of the decision to hold up the project, particularly at the very last minute. However, we're glad to see that the members of the Oregon delegation who took part in the lobbying campaign were able to convince White House and defense officials that security and Smart Grid renewables can co-exist.
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