Wind energy project: No conflict-of-interest

Monday, July 28, 2008 2:23 PM CDT

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (AP) - A proposed 150-turbine wind farm in southeastern Idaho cleared a local planning board, but local officials say a judge may ultimately decide the fate of the disputed project.

The Bingham County Planning and Zoning Board met until after midnight and decided early Thursday morning that member Larry Kohler’s vote for the project in April wasn’t a conflict of interest.

Kohler owns property near the wind farm, proposed for Wolverine Canyon. It now goes before the Bingham County Commission.

A local rancher who owns the 9,000 acres where the turbines would be located says royalty payments will help her keep cattle here.

Meanwhile, some nearby landowners including healthcare products mogul Frank VanderSloot are fighting the turbines, saying 490-foot structures are inappropriate.

Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com

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