Renewable Energy Advocates Praise Wyoming Wind Project

Renewable energy advocates today enthusiastically praised the first commercial-scale wind project to serve the Northwest at a ground breaking ceremony in Arlington, Wyoming. Renewable Northwest, the region’s leading renewable energy advocacy organization, underscored the leadership provided by PacifiCorp, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) in putting together the 41.4 megawatt wind facility being developed by Sea West and Tomen Power Corp.

 

“To quote a great American philosopher, ‘How sweet it is,' " said Rachel Shimshak, director of Renewable Northwest.

 

“The perseverance and dedication of these three utilities made this project a reality. PacifiCorp demonstrated great leadership over the past several years, pioneering new ways to solve problems and continuing to move the process forward. BPA followed through with their commitment to renewable energy development despite a difficult time for the agency. And EWEB steadily maintained their environmental ethic and delivered a solid project for their customers,” continued Shimshak.

 

Putting her shovel into the ground, Shimshak concluded, “This shovel full of soil marks the dawn of a new industry for the Northwest, and the first new renewable energy contribution to a sustainable future for us and our children.”

 

The project is scheduled to begin operation in 1999. The developer will install 69 Mitsubishi 600-kilowatt turbines at Foote Creek Rim.

 

Renewable Northwest was initiated in 1993 by a unique combination of energy companies, environmental and consumer groups to promote the implementation of environmentally responsible renewable energy in the Northwest.