So, if the energy needs of Las Vegas can't steal their water (or did they get that too), they can at least mar the vistas along US 50.... I support wind energy, but there's plenty of other less visible places to put up the turbines.

Well, it's a shot in the arm for the local economy--and a lot more sustainable than the mines. You probably noted the new mining activity there around Osceola. And I think it's a better way to spend money than importing oil!
Also, it's an improvement that the electicity is going to Vegas. Usually big power projects in Nevada are for the California market! Cf. the big coal-fired plant outside Battle Mountain.