Governors' Wind Energy Coalition

The Bureau of Land Management has paved the way for engineering and cultural resource surveys for the land along a proposed electrical transmission line that would service a $300 million wind energy project on Steens Mountain in Oregon.

The agency did not, however, approve construction of the 44-mile-long North Steens Transmission Line.

Before that approval is awarded, developers face a legal challenge from the Portland Audubon Society and Oregon Natural Desert Association. Those groups argue the wind turbines would be an eyesore and would hurt the migratory routes and breeding areas for animals like bighorn sheep, golden eagles and sage grouse.

But the project’s proponents say it would bring 100 construction jobs and 12 permanent jobs to the area. They also argue the turbines would not be visible from many angles.

The project is proposed by Columbia Energy Partners LLC of Vancouver, Wash., and its affiliate, Echanis LLC (Richard Cockle, Portland Oregonian, May 24). — WW