Thanks to a huge grassroots effort, the ban on windpower in the NC mountains has been averted, at least for the moment. By our count, AIRE and other groups were able to mobilize hundreds of calls and emails to senators over the 4th of July weekend. The senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources committee discussed and passed a version of the bill that was absent the sections dealing with mountain wind, effectively rendering it a costal wind permitting bill.

That bill moves on to the senate finance committee, probably this week. We need to remain vigilant. The western coalition of groups is now formulating strategy. Stay tuned.

Media coverage we’ve seen today:

• Wind bill sidesteps mountain ridge controversy (Winston-Salem Journal)
• Legislators postpone vote on wind power ban (Raleigh News & Observer)
• Measure on wind energy omits mountains (Charlotte Observer)
• Windmill ban up for debate (Raleigh News & Observer)
• “Wind Watch” the anti-wind group is monitoring