County sets stage for wind farm regulations

SPOKANE – As interest from energy companies in establishing large wind farms in Eastern Washington grows, Spokane County commissioners are laying the groundwork for how these projects will be regulated within county borders.

On Tuesday, the commissioners voted 3-1 to direct county staff to draft legislation governing the location and operation of large-scale wind turbines and solar panel facilities. This decision followed a briefing and presentation of a preliminary draft of the regulations earlier in the day.

This marks Spokane County's first ordinance aimed at regulating large renewable ener...