Stoel Rives attorney Tim McMahan discussed in Clearing Up the decision by two environmental groups to file suit challenging Washington Governor Christine Gregoire's approval of the Whistling Ridge wind project in Skamania County. In March 2012, Gregoire approved a scaled down version of the project, following recommendation by the state's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). The environmental groups, Friends of the Columbia Gorge (FOTG) and Save Our Scenic Area, had previously contested site approval.
McMahan, who advised the project developer in the site approval process, said the two groups already had ample opportunity to voice their arguments. "Nothing about their attack on the Governor's decision is new, and the decision is based upon a massive record of compliance," he noted. "Their fight," he continued, "is with the state's clean energy policy and with local communities along the Gorge that are desperately fighting poverty and trying to keep people employed. FOTG has no regard for local economic trauma and their alleged support of renewable energy rings hollow."
"Groups Challenge Wash. Governor's OK of Colombia Gorge Wind Project" was published by Clearing Up Newsletter, April 9, 2012 (subscription required).