By Emma Jade, Local News 8 Reporter
BINGHAM Co. - It's been in the works for more than a year and now, it's fate lies in the hands of the Judge Richard St. Clair. Will he decide in favor of moving forward with the controversial 150-turbine wind farm in Wolverine Canyon? Or, will Bingham County have to go back to the drawing board?
Ridgeline Energy's proposed wind farm includes 150 wind turbines, three sub stations, operating buildings, living quarters, etc. It's a plan to bring more energy to Bingham County - a plan that's been tossed and rattled around for quite some time.
On Tuesday the project hit another bump in the road. Petitioners presented their opposing ideas to the Judge.
Representing the petitioners, attorney Gary Slette said, "the way they went about it is improper under Idaho law."
Petitioners believe a wind farm can't go in Wolverine Canyon because it's zoned for natural resources or agriculture. They see wind turbines as industrial, not natural.
"You can't just fit the square peg into the round hole and say, 'well, we're just going to call it an agricultural use,' because that makes no sense," said Slette.
Bingham County and Ridgeline Energy disagree.
"We are confident that this is a natural resource zone, wind is a natural resource, we believe that it is a perfect fit," said Vice President of Ridgeline Energy, Rich Rayhill.
Property owner, Jack Webb, agrees. Webb said it's a good thing to put in this wind farm because it will give residents an alternate source of energy.
"It's a green energy, it won't hurt anybody or affect us at all as far as our operation, and we're very excited about it," said Webb.
Petitioners made clear that it's not a better energy source that they're against. They just want the wind farm somewhere else, and done the right way.
"It wasn't a green energy issue, it has never been there, it is entirely a land-use issue," said Slette.
The hearing lasted for the majority of Tuesday morning at the Bingham County courthouse. The Judge will deliver his answer in a written statement.
