Daily Republic - Garamendi Gets Another Look at "Future of Energy Independence'

News Article

By Ryan McCarthy

Rep. John Garamendi traveled Wednesday to Montezuma Hills Road and a site 16 miles from Fairfield to see the future.

The future of energy independence, that is, as Shiloh Wind Power Project officials tell it.

San Francisco, Palo Alto and Marin County are among customers of the project that covers 6,800 rural acres.

"The wind tunnels are a major part of my district," said Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, the congressman who represents the 3rd District that includes Fairfield, Suisun City and Vacaville.

Shiloh takes advantage of the wind funnel at its site in Birds Landing.

"The wind industry in Solano County is important to the county and to the energy policy of the nation," Garamendi said.

Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of Avangrid, owns Shiloh.

Garamendi said extensions of production tax credits and investment tax credits were a major part of legislation last year and the visit provided an opportunity to see how the extensions will benefit Iberdrola and other wind farms.

The congressman, an advocate of alternative energy, was making his third visit to the wind power project in the past six years.

His legislation in the 1970s as a California state lawmaker helped lead to wind turbines at Altamont Pass between Livermore and Tracy.

Garamendi noted the need for wind turbine technicians and other trained workers.

"Everywhere I go," Garamendi said, employers tell him, "We cannot get trained employees."

Community colleges can assist in providing them, the congressman said.

Dr. Eugene Cleek, who is running against Garamendi in the Nov. 8 election, could not be reached for comment Wednesday about energy issues.

Each wind turbine at Shiloh has a base 48 feet in diameter and 7 feet deep. Local property owners lease the land, which continues to be used for grazing, Iberdrola said.

The site opened in 2006.

Source