BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- The future of wind power in Whatcom County is dimming, as county lawmakers block its expansion into farming and forestry lands.

County councilman Carl Weimer says a majority of his colleagues rejected a plan Tuesday to allow the massive wind turbines in agricultural and commercial forestry zones.



Weimer says he believes wind energy could have a future in other areas, but for now officials are drafting rules to allow them only in heavy-impact industrial areas near the refineries at Cherry Point.

Property owners have spoken out against expanded wind power development, citing health, environmental and appearance concerns.

Weimer calls some of those worries “silly.”