Facts about the Criterion Project

WHAT:

The Clipper Windpower Criterion Project is a carefully planned wind energy facility that will benefit the region's economy and environment. Wind energy is a clean, renewable, non-polluting domestic resource that does not release greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.

When complete, the Criterion Project will include up to 67 turbines distributed over an area of approximately 41 acres on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County Maryland.

Criterion will be one of the largest projects ever constructed in Garrett County and will create local jobs - up to 175 construction jobs and 6-8 permanent operation positions.

WHY:

Wind power is the most environmentally benign cost-effective method of producing electricity because the impact to wildlife and people is minimal in comparison to other methods of electricity generation. Energy produced from wind is not subject to price variability from natural gas price spikes or changes in emissions requirements for use of coal; wind power's stable power prices help to insulate consumers from price volatility.

Designed to provide the region with a clean, reliable, renewable energy resource, the Criterion project will provide up to 101 megawatts of power or enough energy to serve 35,000 households in the Mid-Atlantic region annually.

BENEFITS:

Criterion will provide numerous economic benefits for the citizens of Garrett County. It will create local jobs - 175 construction and 6-8 permanent operating positions. It will generate an estimated $3.75 million in construction phase work and purchases for local companies, an estimated $4,900 per year in income tax revenue from personal income taxes, and $500,000 per year in personal property tax revenue.

The project will also provide clean energy for the region. Estimates are that the Criterion Project will displace more than 368,000,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 2,600,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 860,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide each year. The project will help the Western Maryland region meet expected future power demands with a safe, clean, renewable, reliable, domestic source of power.

WHEN:

Clipper received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission in early 2003. Construction has not yet begun as Clipper is seeking the contractual agreements with power buyers and investors that would allow the project to proceed.

WHERE:

The project site is located on Backbone Mountain, a narrow ridge near the town of Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland. The site is a mixture of open farmland and wooded land extending from Wild Turkey Rock to Allegheny Heights near Route 50.

WHO:

Clipper Windpower, Inc., is an integrated wind energy company with a highly experienced team focused on development of wind energy facilities including engineering, construction, project financing, and plant operation. Clipper is also developing components of an advanced wind turbine. Clipper is headquartered in Carpenteria, California and maintains an Eastern Regional Office in Bethesda, Maryland.

CONTACT:

Kevin Rackstraw, 301/263-0028, Krackstraw@clipperwind.com