Windmill firms turn over documents

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Two wind companies subpoenaed by New York's attorney general say they are cooperating in a probe of possible corruption involving land acquisition upstate.

Noble Environmental Power based in Connecticut and First Wind of Massachusetts have been asked for a broad range of documents, The New York Times reported Monday.

"Noble supports open and transparent development of wind projects in accordance with the highest ethical standards," said Walt Howard, Noble's chief executive.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating whether wind companies improperly influenced local officials to get permission to build towers and also colluded to divide up the territory so they wouldn't be bidding against each other.

Derek P. Champagne, Franklin County district attorney, says evidence has surfaced in at least 12 counties about possible conflicts of interest or improper influence.

"It's a modern-day gold rush," Champagne says.

Lured by state subsidies, the wind industry has arrived in upstate New York promising jobs, tax revenue and cutting-edge energy, the Times reports.