Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 46F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 46F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Updated: March 19, 2026 @ 5:15 pm
A controversial wind farm proposal slated for construction on forestland in Skamania County has been upheld by the Washington Supreme Court.
In an opinion released on Thursday, the state’s highest court of law denied an appeal filed by Friends of the Columbia Gorge that challenged the legitimacy of the site certification agreement for the Whistling Ridge Energy Project.
“We find no basis to reverse the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council’s recommendation or the governor’s approval of the project,” wrote Justice Charles W. Johnson, author of the decision.
The wind farm is planned to be located on SDS Lumber Co. and Broughton Lumber Co. land in southeastern Skamania County. Though located outside the National Scenic Area, the project has attracted controversy since some of the project’s 35 wind turbines would be visible from White Salmon and Hood River, according to environmental groups.
Though the court found in favor of the project proponents, it is unknown whether the facility will move forward. Jason Spadaro, president of SDS Lumber and Whistling Ridge Energy Partners, has said in the past that economic factors and a reduction in the project’s size may put the wind farm’s future in doubt.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented