BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- The future of wind power in Whatcom County is dimming, as county lawmakers block its expansion into farming and forestry lands.
County councilman Carl Weimer says a majority of his colleagues rejected a plan Tuesday to allow the massive wind turbines in agricultural and commercial forestry zones.
Weimer says he believes wind energy could have a future in other areas, but for now officials are drafting rules to allow them only in heavy-impact industrial areas near the refineries at Cherry Point.
Property owners have spoken out against expanded wind power development, citing health, environmental and appearance concerns.
