Sen. Reid says Nevada wind farm could help solve energy troubles

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001 | 5:47 a.m.

The plant, expected to produce more than 300 megawatts a year, would be Nevada's first wind farm and the second-largest wind-generated power facility in the nation.

The proposal was announced last month. But Reid and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson held a press conference and signing ceremony Thursday to formally launch a three-phase effort to build the renewable energy facility. Gen. John Gordon of the National Nuclear Security Administration also took part.

Reid has called the wind farm a "clean, green energy project." Advocates say wind farms create little to no pollution, are relatively easy to construct and tap an energy source that won't be depleted.

The federal government also is offering tax breaks for wind-generated power.

Disadvantages include disturbing wildlife habitats, noise, bird deaths and desert erosion. But those problems could be less critical at the Nevada Test Site, formerly the nation's nuclear bomb testing grounds, 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

When fully built with 500 or so turbines, the wind farm could generate enough electricity to supply a city of 85,000 people. The first phase of 120 turbines could be operating in a year, proponents have said.