Taos Wind Farm Update

In December the Planning and Zoning commission appeared to ignore their own land use regulations by paving the way for Taos Wind Power, Inc. to proceed with a wind farm concept northwest of Taos, subject to numerous but vague conditions.

Since that time, opponents have filed an appeal to that decision with Taos County. The Taos County Commission now has 60 days to hold a public hearing on the appeal. At this point, the legal issue is not whether the wind farm idea has merit, but whether the planning commission acted outside their authority and violated land use regulations designed to protect the surrounding landowners and the environment. Plans for the wind farm may not move forward until this appeal has been resolved and the rights of all parties, including nearby residents, have been secured.

While Taos Wind Power, Inc. has a right to pursue a legitimate business, it's highly doubtful that financing such a controversial project in a marginal wind area will be possible given our nation's dismal economic climate. Throw in a model sustainable community and a scenic wilderness area as "neighbors", and any sensible investor will balk. Now with the possibility of official misconduct looming over the planning commission, and even the most stalwart financier is likely to walk.