RICHMOND — It will come as little surprise to Highland residents that pressure at the state level to develop wind energy projects continues to mount. And now, the county’s own legislative representatives are jumping in to the debate with separate bills introduced in the General Assembly session. The legislative proposals are entirely different, but if passed, they would each have a significant effect on the current plan for a 39-megawatt facility here, and any future commercial wind projects that are likely to surface.

The bill is designed to give tax refunds and grants for using clean, efficient energy. One of its provisions would award grants of 0.85 cents for each kilowatt of electricity produced by a corporation from certain renewables, including wind utilities.

The chief sponsor, state Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, describes his draft legislation as a comprehensive blueprint for developing more energy at home -- both traditional sources and futuristic ones -- so Virginia will have reliable supplies for decades to come.

RICHMOND — The state legislative commission overseeing electricity deregulation pushed forward Friday a proposal that would require a percentage of Virginia’s power supply to come from renewable sources.

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.

A proposed state energy policy that encourages offshore energy projects and quick siting for windmills, nuclear plants and other low-emission energy moved forward yesterday.

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.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Virginia Highlanders following the debate on the impacts of commercial wind turbine projects may want to head next door to West Virginia next Wednesday.

"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.

Press Release from Utility Wind Interest Group November 16, 2005 Reston, Virginia, USA --- The Utility Wind Interest Group (UWIG) announced today that it will change its name to the Utility Wind Integration Group, effective January 1, 2006. The UWIG Board of Directors voted to make the change, as well as change the organization's tax exempt corporate status.

Virginia local governments would lose zoning and land-use authority over designated sites for wind farms, nuclear plants and other low-emission energy facilities under a proposal being studied by a legislative panel.

Virginia local governments would lose zoning and land-use authority over designated sites for wind farms under a proposal being studied by a legislative panel.

“Again, we reiterate the need for the planning commission and board of supervisors to draft an amendment to comprehensive plan, and possibly even zoning ordinance amendments, stating the county’s position with regard to wind development in Highland. That may include no wind energy development at all (small or large), small wind only, or a combination of some small wind and a limited number of large wind facilities. It may include designating wind development zones and excluding certain zones/areas or simply setting a base level criteria."