Commission okays proposal for wind farm zone expert

Whitman County commissioners Monday unanimously approved a change to zoning law intended to speed the application process for wind turbine farms.

The change to the county’s commercial wind zoning ordinance allows for a hearing examiner to rule on wind farm applications and projects valued more than $5 million.

The hearing examiner would be a private attorney with knowledge of wind farm permitting issues.

Prior to Monday’s change, such applications would have been heard by the citizen board of adjustment.

Three citizens at Monday’s public hearing criticized the change. They said bringing in an...