Approval Handed Down for Largest Federal Land Wind Project (200 MW)

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45825

Cotterel, Idaho Kathleen Clarke, Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), announced completion of an environmental review of the largest wind energy project on Federal land in the last 25 years. Approval of the Record of Decision (ROD) and right-of-way grant for the Cotterel Wind Power Project on 4,500 acres of BLM-managed public land clears the way for the installation of up to 98 turbines on a ridge in south-central Idaho five miles east of Albion in Cassia County.

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BLM-managed lands in nine Western States have the potential to generate an estimated 3,200 MW of wind energy -- enough to provide electric power for nearly one million homes.

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The 200 megawatt (MW) project will generate enough electricity to supply approximately 50,000 homes. According to the BLM, promoting wind energy is a high priority in its efforts to enhance energy security by expanding opportunities for developing alternative, domestic sources.

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The Cotterel right-of-way grant includes important measures for mitigating the effects of wind generation on wildlife resources. Best Management Practices (BMPs), offsite mitigation, and adaptive management strategies will be incorporated into the project to address impacts to sage-grouse, raptors, bats, and migratory birds. An interagency team of Federal and state biologists developed the mitigation plan and will continue to monitor wildlife impacts. Power generated from the project will be distributed through the existing regional power grid.

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