WV APPROVES PINNACLE WIND

PSC approves Pinnacle Wind Farm
Richard Kerns, January 12, 2010 (Mineral Daily News-Tribune)

"The West Virginia Public Service Commission ruled…in favor of the Pinnacle Wind Farm project near Keyser, granting a siting permit that will allow construction of 23 400-foot wind turbines atop Green Mountain…

"Developed with the cooperation of NewPage paper mill, which will reap some of the “green” credits from the project, the $131 million Pinnacle Wind Farm involves the construction of 23 wind turbines that will have a maximum generating capacity of 55 megawatts, or enough to supply the annual electricity needs of 14,000 homes…NewPage officials welcomed the approval…"

There are those who object to those turbines on that mountain ridge, claiming they spoil the view. (click to enlarge)

"In addtion to creating more than 100 construction jobs and several permanent maintenance positions, the project will generate an estimated $433,000 in annual county taxes, with the bulk of the funding under state formula going to Mineral County schools."

Yes, they are on that mountain ridge, too. Look closely. (click to enlarge)

"WindForce has been working on the project for several years, obtaining easements for siting the turbines on private property and conducting long-term studies into the impact on natural resources, wildlife, view sheds, historical features and other matters reviewed by state and federal agencies…[C]onstruction of the wind farm will take less than a year…[and] turbines could be operational by the end of 2010…[though] startup may be delayed, as WindForce works to finalize a deal to sell its “green” energy to the University of Maryland.

"Once the project moves to actual construction, WindForce expects to transfer ownership and management of the wind farm to Edison Mission Group, a national energy firm…[A]ll agreements…will be honored by Edison, including establishment of a $50,000 community endowment fund, to be infused with an additional $20,000 a year for the life of the project."