A proposed wind project on Washington’s Palouse has raised concerns about views and proximity to hiking trails. But now, it’s drawing support from some Nez Perce tribal members.
The Harvest Hills Wind project would add 45 wind turbines to private agricultural land in Whitman County.
However, people raised enough concern about things like landscape views and wildlife that county commissioners first imposed a moratorium — and this year adopted strict rules for commercial wind projects.
Steelhead Americas, the project’s developers, said they want to build the turbines two miles from Kamiak Butte, a National Natural Landmark. The new ordinance creates a 7-mile buffer around the butte.
Developers said the ordinance would prevent future wind development. That led Harvest Hills developers to a state process that would override county rules. They’ll still do lots of environmental and economic studies if they get state approval, said Shane Roche, a senior development manager with Steelhead Americas.
“We have a great proven area that has strong wind that we can just put our towers up and generate energy,” Roche said.
The project is in the preapplication stages with the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.
Now, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment has stepped in to show its support. The environmental nonprofit, which is run by Nez Perce tribal members, sent a letter to Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on behalf of Harvest Hills Wind.
"Nimíipuu Protecting the Environment supports responsibly sited and developed renewable energy projects within our ceded territories when they are consistent with environmental protection, climate resilience and long-term stewardship of the land," said Julian Matthews, who coordinates Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment.
Matthews said his group doesn’t automatically support all wind projects. However, he said, responsibly sited projects are needed to help slow climate change and to reduce dependence on hydropower.
“We have to have alternative energy sources, whether it's wind or solar,” Matthews said.
The Nez Perce Tribe is working to replace energy generated by the Snake River dams. It’s an effort to protect threatened and endangered salmon, with the hope of removing the four dams on the Lower Snake.
Matthews said, at first, he wasn’t entirely sure he supported the project. He had questions about whether the project would harm migratory birds.
“Eagle feathers that we use in our ceremonies, and we're authorized to legally own eagle feathers for regalia or for ceremonies,” he said. “So (that was) my big issue.”
Developers said the project isn’t sited on a migratory bird flyway. In addition, Roche said they are conducting further bat and bird studies.
Save the Palouse, which opposes the Harvest Hills project, did not respond to requests for comment.
Read the audio transcript here.
