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Community Outreach and Support Building for Wind Energy Project

 U.S. dependence on foreign oil leads us into wars in faraway places. Thick layers of polluted air cover much of our land. While the news is full of talk about “green technology” and “alternative energy”, the reality is that wind-farm developers face opposition from those who object to the sight and sound of wind turbines.

PPM Energy (now Iberdrola Renewables), a national leader in wind energy, proposed to build 45 wind turbines in the Coachella Valley but faced the standard hostility from nearby neighbors. If they were to garner the required government approvals, they would need to overcome that opposition and convince decision-makers of local support.

The majority of folks were either unaware of or apathetic about the issue. Consensus Inc. pioneered a campaign that educated, engaged and energized a wide variety of stakeholders. (click "Success" above to reveal the outcome.)

Click here to RSVP to the Consensus Inc. AWEA Reception

ISSUE|;SUCCESS

Community Outreach and Support Building for Wind Energy Project

When the Riverside County Planning Commission, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Palm Springs Planning Commissions met at the end of 24 months, a strong group of core community supporters attended the hearings and a broad group of regional supporters showed support for the project. Each of the policy bodies voted to approve the project and praised the outreach efforts.

The Dillon Wind Project was awarded the Shiny Apple Award from the Palm Springs Unified School District for being an outstanding community partner. Consensus Inc. received the 2007 Public Relations Society of America’s Prism Award in Community Relations for the Dillon Wind Project.