PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — After more than two years of work, Umatilla County has a new set of rules on wind power projects.
The East Oregonian reports that county commissioners voted Tuesday to keep at least two miles between a wind turbine and a city and limit the distance from a road.
Umatilla County will also require a two-mile setback from rural homes.
Commissioner Dennis Doherty said the Blue Mountain Alliance submitted 3,400 signatures in support of the two-mile setback from homes, showing strong support in Umatilla County for the restriction.
Critics — including attorneys representing wind companies — complained there wasn’t enough evidence to support that rule but Doherty said the decision was policy matter.
