Groups seek wind energy ban on Steens Mountain
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Conservation groups are asking the state of Oregon to make Steens Mountain and the congressionally protected area around it off-limits to wind energy development.
Liz Nysson of the Oregon Natural Desert Association said Wednesday they understand the need to develop renewable energy to combat global warming, but the ecological and scenic values of the mountain in Eastern Oregon makes it unsuitable for any development.
Congress created a special management area encompassing the mountain in 2000 to protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Lately, the area's strong winds have drawn the interest of wind energy developers.
The state Energy Facility Siting Council will decide June 11 whether to start a formal examination of the issue.
