By Shar Porier | Bisbee Daily Review
After listening to those supporting the Arizona Audubon appeal to add a condition to the special use permit for the Red Horse 2 wind farm, Cochise County Board of Supervisors member Richard Searle suggested six new conditions, which fellow board members approved, leaving the Audubon appeal to be denied, but still accomplished.
During Tuesday’s meeting, speaking on behalf of Arizona Audubon, Tice Supplee, director of bird conservation, said that the purpose of the appeal was not to stop the 51-megawatt wind farm. Arizona Audubon supports alternative energy sources.
All Audubon members want is to ensure, through an added condition to the permit, that Torch Renewable Energy, LLC, work closely with Arizona Game and Fish (AZGF) on continuing studies of the protected bald and golden eagles, avian and bat populations, and other possible wildlife and environmental impacts, Supplee said. AZGF has no regulatory powers and following the agency’s requirements are only “voluntary.” Supplee added that the proposed condition would make the continuation of studies regulated and formal.
Searle’s modifications accomplished that, and more.
