Virginia homeowners may not be ready for a windmill on every roof, but what about a string of electricity-generating turbines on a distant hilltop and the option to buy green power at affordable prices?

MONTEREY — Bleachers and basketball nets notwithstanding, Highland’s elementary school gym played host this week to perhaps the most important debate in county history.

MONTEREY -- Cavers, birdwatchers, homeowners and others urged state officials Monday to deny the approval of 19 wind turbines on mountain ridges in Highland County.

MONTEREY -- Frustrated by their local government, opponents of a plan for an industrial-scale wind farm on Highland County ridge tops pleaded their case to a panel from Richmond.

MONTEREY, Va. Opponents of a plan for a massive wind farm on a Highland County mountain are voicing their frustration to state regulators. The State Corporation Commission will finish two days of public hearings in Monterey today.

MONTEREY -- Cavers, birdwatchers, homeowners and others urged state officials Monday to deny the approval of 19 wind turbines on mountain ridges in Highland County.

Highland New Wind Development LLC remains optimistic about building Virginia's first major wind farm despite concerns from state agencies about its environmental effects.

If you could harness the charge generated in Highland County from the debate over a proposed wind farm, you wouldn't need the windmills for electricity.

RICHMOND — A bill to give localities the option of how to tax wind utility equipment passed the House of Delegates Monday by a margin of 10 votes.

RICHMOND — Five state agencies plus the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers believes Highland New Wind Development’s application for a wind project is insufficient.

MONTEREY — Highland County planners now have 60 days to take another look at Highland New Wind Development LLC’s application for an industrial wind facility here.

MONTEREY— Highland New Wind Development’s attorneys have formally requested the company’s application process to step along in time for construction of its wind turbines to begin this year.

MONTEREY — Highland County residents opposed to the wind utility proposed by Highland New Wind Development LLC have often cited the proliferation of more such industrial projects as a large concern in granting the first one. And it appears they have reason to believe a second project is planned.

The Senate passed a bill Friday that would set taxation rates on 18 to 20 proposed wind turbines in Highland County.

MONTEREY— It’s been nearly four tumultuous years since the idea of industrial wind energy first surfaced in Highland County. As state-level reviews and court decisions move along, 2006 might bring closure to the issue here. Given the amount of time it’s taken to get this far, however, few would bet on that. Those opposed to the project continue to fight vigorously at every level to prevent construction.

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has scheduled public hearings in March 2006 to consider a proposal by Highland New Wind Development, LLC (HNWD) to construct a wind-powered electric generation facility in Highland County.

MONTEREY — Highland New Wind Development and the county took a double hit Monday, and for the first time, opponents of industrial wind energy felt they were given credibility by the system.

MONTEREY — County attorneys argued vigorously Monday before the judge and a nearly full courtroom, but were unsuccessful in having one of the lawsuits brought against Highland to contest its decision permitting an industrial wind utility here dismissed.

"I think the battleground is right here in the county right now with the landowners who've said no," said Sites.

It’s going to get complicated and emotional, but whatever comes out in the wash is certain to affect the backyards of all Highland residents one way or another. And certainly, those of all Virginians.

Editor's note: a 'Flow Chart on Wind Energy Players in Virginia' that accompanied this article is available as a 'document' (11/18/05). The flow chart is an initial effort to show the interconnections/collusion between the different entities working to promote wind development in Virginia.