Altamont Pass Wind Farm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamont_Pass_Wind_Farm

Google Map to Altamont Pass Wind Farm: 49.0 mi – about 51 mins

The Altamont Pass Wind Farm is one of the earliest in the United States. The wind farm is composed of over 4500 relatively small wind turbines of various types, making it at one time the largest farm in the world in terms of capacity. Altamont Pass is still the largest concentration of wind turbines in the world, producing about 125 MW on average. They were installed after the 1970s energy crisis in response to favorable tax policies for investors.

Considered largely obsolete, these numerous small turbines are being gradually replaced with much larger and more cost-effective units. The small turbines are dangerous to various raptors that hunt California Ground Squirrels in the area. The larger units turn more slowly and, being elevated higher, are less hazardous to the local wildlife.