Renewable energy faces headwind

When it comes to renewable energy, the winds of change are meeting some resistance.

Senate Democrats are trying to blow past disagreements about whether they should allow for the development of wind energy facilities in the state's mountains.

A committee approved a version of a bill Tuesday that would create a permitting process for the construction of wind turbines. While the original bill applied to the entire state, the committee's substitute version would only allow for construction of turbines in coastal areas.

Mountain senators objected to the original bill and are trying to work with its sponsor to modify the wording.

"We are still working with our mountain folks to figure out the language that would be appropriate," said Sen. Charles Albertson, the bill's sponsor.

Leaders are hoping the problems blow over, and that a compromise is reached before the finance committee considers the bill.