A wind power developer says it wants to downsize its approved project in far western Maryland under a newly streamlined regulatory process.
California-based Clipper Windpower has a permit from the state Public Service Commission to build 40 giant turbines on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County, generating up to 101 megawatts of electricity. But construction has been stalled by lawsuits filed by those who claim wind farms are inefficient, unsightly and hazardous to wildlife.
Now Clipper says it would reduce the project to 28 turbines and 70 megawatts. That would make it small enough to qualify for a fast-track approval process the state implemented last year to make Maryland friendlier to wind power developers.
Critics claim the approach will lead to more -- but smaller -- projects, effectively resulting in the same number of turbines with less public scrutiny.
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