It would be the first renewable energy project in Santa Barbara County: a proposed wind farm near Lompoc.

The Lompoc Wind Energy Project was first proposed four years ago by ACCIONA Wind Energy USA. The project would spread over 2,950 acres. It would generate enough power to light up about 50,000 households.

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission met Tuesday to discuss the project. At 4:30 p.m., the commission voted unanimously to approve the final environmental impact report, allowing the project to move forward.

ACCIONA wants to build up to 65 wind turbines near Vandenberg Air Force Base. Supporters of the project said it would be an historic move to bring new forms of energy to the Central Coast.

"We think it's about time we harnessed one of the things that's so prevalent on the Central Coast - wind - and turn it into renewable energy," said Dave Cross with the Committee to Improve North County.

LeRoy Scolari is one of several landowners who would lease his property under a 30-year agreement.

"This is a clean project. All you have coming out of the ground is those tubes 12 to 15 feet in diameter," Scolari said.

But opponents are not sold. The landscape around the proposed area is mostly rural agricultural land. Some want it to stay that way.

"We bought here because of that beautiful view that we see," said homeowner Jane Fasold, who opposes the project.

Among other concerns: birds and bats killed because of these windmills.

The cattle ranch owned by Jennifer Cruz's parents sits right where the turbines would be built. Her neighbors are worried about noise and a drop in property value.

"All the landowners that are participating don't live there. And so, their impact is less than those that are living there," Cruz said.

Hours of testimony and people on both sides figuring out whether to build or not to build - a difficult question to answer.

The company said it would bring in $1 million a year to the county and provide temporary jobs to 200 workers during the construction phase. Construction would start next year.

The company said the amount of birds affected by the project would be minimal. During an eight-week study, they observed 227 birds pass through the path of the turbines. A company spokeswoman said this is extremely low compared to other projects.

Environmental groups that spoke during the meeting support the project. However, they urge for longer monitoring of wildlife, just to make sure there will be no devastating impacts.