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Desert Claim Wind Power Praises Gov. Gregoire's Approval of Neighboring Wind Farm Project

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 September 2007, 09:02 CDT

Desert Claim Wind Power, LLC praised Gov. Christine Gregoire's strong endorsement today for renewable, environmentally friendly power sources as she approved a neighboring wind farm project.

"Gov. Gregoire said the state needs more energy from renewable sources with low environmental impact," said David Steeb, project director for Desert Claim. "We're going to review her approval and then do everything we can to enable Desert Claim to deliver clean, renewable power to nearly 50,000 homes as soon as possible."

Citing the "clear and compelling policy of the state" to prefer renewable, low-impact energy sources, Gov. Gregoire today approved the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project. The KV project is located several miles west of Desert Claim, which is sited on rural land eight miles northwest of Ellensburg.

The Desert Claim site is one of the state's best locations for wind farms, Steeb said. The site is located in a power transmission corridor, saving millions of dollars by avoiding construction of new transmission lines. It's close to the state's fastest-growing areas where more power is most needed. The land is now used largely for raising cattle and growing hay, which are expected to continue after the wind farm is built.

Both Desert Claim and KV will allow the state's largest utilities to meet a voter mandate to supply at least 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2020.

Desert Claim would generate approximately $1.4 million in tax revenue for Kittitas County schools, fire protection, and other public services. A public-opinion survey of Kittitas County voters in February found two-to-one support for Desert Claim among those who were aware of the project.

Desert Claim Wind Power, LLC is a subsidiary of enXco, one of the nation's premier wind energy developers and operators.

About enXco

enXco, inc. (www.enxco.com) an EDF-EN Company (www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com), develops, constructs, operates and manages wind energy projects throughout the United States. This summer the company will begin construction of its Goodnoe East wind farm, a 94-megawatt project in Klickitat County. Since 1987 enXco has grown to be a significant owner and developer of wind-energy projects. enXco is the largest O & M third-party provider for wind farms, with more than 3,600 turbines and more than 1,500 MW under contracts.

Source: Business Wire

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