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Highlanders for Responsible Development ~ PO Box 685 ~ Monterey, VA 24465
www.protecthighland.org
21 January 2006
Dear Friend,
When Highland County was first threatened by the possibility of having wind turbines constructed along its highest ridges, you were one among the 1200 people who signed a petition expressing your opposition to the presence of industrial wind generating facilities here. While two members of the Board of Supervisors ignored the outpouring of public sentiment (changing the county’s zoning regulations governing height limitations and granting a conditional use permit for wind development), the work to protect our ridgelines and unique way of life is far from over.
Highlanders for Responsible Development (HRD) is working to keep Highland County from falling victim to the industrialization of our ridgelines. We need your help. We are currently requesting donations in any amount to help support our legal efforts to block construction of commercial wind turbines here. HRD will pass along to the SCC a total count of persons who have made donations towards this cause. That number will add support to the public outcry against the wind application.
We also ask that you write a letter to the State Corporation Commission (SCC), expressing your opposition to HNWD’s wind project. Enclosed is a list of talking points you may wish to use when composing your letter, as well as where to send it, either by mail or electronically. The SCC will be accepting written comments through 13 March 2006. The commission has stated that it gives special consideration to projects where public opposition is substantial. Please let your voice be heard; this is vitally important for Highland’s future.
Please also make every effort to attend one of the SCC’s public hearings, which will be held March 13 with sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and March 14 with sessions at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Highland Elementary School gymnasium. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the hearing you choose to attend, so you may sign up to speak.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to HRD, please make your check payable to Highlanders for Responsible Development and mail it to Box 685, Monterey, VA 24465. Thank you for your continued efforts to help protect our beautiful county. Questions about any of these requests can be directed to me at cas2@htcnet.org.
Sincerely,
/signed/ Charlotte Stephenson
President, HRD
