Salazar Announces Wyo. Wind Project Approval

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has approved what could become the largest wind energy project in the United States, a Wyoming wind farm with up to 1,000 turbines that would provide electricity to some 1 millions homes.

Groundwork is set to begin next year on the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project in the hilly sagebrush country of south-central Wyoming.

Salazar highlighted the project Tuesday as an example of what he says is President Barack Obama's commitment to renewable energy development on public lands.  He says that under Obama, the Interior Department has approved 10,000 megawatts of renewable power, or enough electricity for more than 3.5 million homes.

Salazar signed the project plat at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.  The school offers technical training for jobs in wind power.