Middle Mountain wind project

[December 28th, 2009]

Letter to the Editor of the Hood River News written by HRVRC Executive Director Jonathan Graca

Hood River County is considering installing six wind turbines on the southwest corner of Middle Mountain. Profits from the project would help offset anticipated shortfalls in the general fund from loss of federal timber subsidies.

Hood River Valley Residents Committee (HRVRC) is a local 501c3 non-profit founded in 1977. HRVRC’s work has mainly focused on protecting farm and forestland. However, equally important is the second half of our mission – promoting livable communities in the Hood River Valley. The Middle Mountain wind project would have significant impacts on the livability of the valley. Thus, the board and I have avidly followed progress on the Middle Mountain project in 2009 and are currently attempting to weigh the costs vs. benefits of the proposed project.

At present, the board of directors has decided to not take a stance on the Middle Mountain project. This neutral stance should not be confused with lacking interest or a willingness to act – HRVRC has a long history of showing it can and will take action. Rather, the board has decided that with no immediate time deadlines, we are ourselves – and encouraging others – to learn more about the complexities of this issue. While visual impacts are a known, noise and environmental studies are not expected to be complete until mid to late 2010. We plan to await these studies, and continue gathering information, before formally supporting or opposing the project.

While we value the chance to learn more, HRVRC does have standing concerns regarding potential impacts:

Visual: The Hood River Valley is a special place. Wind turbines would mire iconic Mount Hood views unique to the Hood River Valley in day time and night time.

Environmental: Wind energy has been touted as “green” by many. However, there are impacts to forest, wildlife and heavy energy investments in the construction and transportation of turbines. Also, construction of six turbines in Hood River County does not translate directly into removal of “dirtier” energy.

Future turbines: This is the “camels nose under the tent” concern. If six are allowed, it could be a slippery slope towards more machines.

Economic: Projects often cost more than projected.

On the other side of the coin, HRVRC is supportive of the county investigating alternative energy sources for revenue. We recognize the shortfall in the county general fund budget is substantial and the increasing revenue gap could profoundly impact citizens. The general fund supports (among other things) sheriff and emergency management, community justice, public and environmental health, parks and buildings, building and planning services, veterans services, library (until June, 2010) and NORCOR.

A recent letter to the editor by David Thies, “President of the Columbia Gorge Audubon Society” (“Who Decides on Wind Power?” 12/16/09) mentions that Seattle’s Bullitt Foundation, a funder of HRVRC, “has a long history of requiring grantees to not oppose wind power.” While Mr. Thies was correct in saying that HRVRC has received funding by Bullitt Foundation, he might want to check the foundation’s website http://www.bullitt.org/grant-history which details $300,000 + of grants awarded to six legitimate Audubon organizations between 2007-2009. Bullitt has no history of requiring grantees to support wind power.

One final note, HRVRC and Columbia Gorge Earth Center are still planning a forum for 2010. At the heart of that discussion is this question: “How do you envision a sustainable Hood River and does wind power play a part?”