Watch out. As wind turbines spread over the landscapes of the West as this form of clean, alternative energy continues to develop, there are major issues of land preservation at stake. Right now, for example, a little war is being fought in Umatilla County in north central Oregon and in its neighboring Washington state county to the north over the county's comprehensive plan and protection of the Blue Mountain vistas. The issues involve the size of the 'no windmill' zone and other important details that will be worked out at the county across the west. In an opinion piece in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin, the newspaper supports the use of windmills, but notes, " there are places that are well suited for windmills and others that are not.
"In looking at this proposal, planning commissioners need to focus on preserving the view of the Blue Mountains while juxtaposing the impact on the private property rights of citizens. What's needed here is balance."
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Gary "Chris" Twombley was put on administrative leave in December 2023
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