The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has granted approval for the construction of two proposed wind farms in western Stearns County, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Black Oak Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Geronimo Wind Energy, plans to build a 42 MW Black Oak Wind Farm adjacent to the 40 MW Getty Wind, a community-based wind project. The PUC gave approval for construction of both projects on Dec. 6.

The two companies jointly filed a certificate of need, which is required for any project larger than 50 MW.

Geronimo Wind Energy told The Star Tribune that negotiations with a potential purchaser of the power are on hold until Congress decides whether to renew the Production Tax Credit for wind power that expires Dec. 31.

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