The Salt River Project, NextEra Energy Resources, Arizona Department of Lands, Arizona Department of Game and Fish, Coconino County and Babbitt Ranch as the crisp white wind turbine blades rotate silently against a clear blue Northern Arizona sky. More than 100 people, including representatives from Dignitaries, executives, consultants and scientists gathered to celebrate the completion of Arizona’s newest wind energy center and the meaning behind the steel.

“As we think about the future of renewable energy and what it means for our communities, this truth is clearer than ever,” said Billy Cordasco, president and general manager of Babbitt Ranches. spoke. “Each of us brings something unique to the table: skills, expertise, a willingness to make difficult decisions. And while these contributions are important in themselves, they add up to something even greater, In other words, we not only create energy, but also create a future that fosters hope, resilience, and connection to the land and each other.”

Kodasko spoke about his recent ultramarathon trip, in which he power-walked 60 miles at the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center for more than 16 hours, passing each of the 50 turbines that collectively generate 161 megawatts of electricity. I looked back,” he said. and the dedication of everyone involved.”

““Each time I passed the tower, I felt the light increase and felt a sense of admiration and gratitude for the collective spirit that made this renewable energy project possible,” he said. “I believe in not only my physical endurance, but also the recognition that each part of this journey, each person involved, is important in the sense that it adds up to something far more significant than simply the sum of their efforts. “I saw a promise for the future, a symbol of what we can achieve together.”

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman cited the county’s guiding principles, including conservation, sustainability, and promoting stable, safe and attractive rural communities, and Babbitt. He called the Ranch Energy Center “exactly the type of project and outcome that Coconino proposed.” “The county considered this when enacting its renewable energy ordinance.”

““Coconino County believes that reliable, clean energy is important to the health, safety and well-being of our residents, while also promoting and developing it to promote economic opportunity,” she said. “One of the early voices for the Renewable Energy Act was Billy Cordasco. His leadership brings generations of experience, a land ethic, and the native wildlife of this vast country. It reflected my passion for.”

Angie Bond Simpson, SRP Senior Director of Resource Management, said the company has a strong goal and mission to provide customers with reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power for generations to come. He said there is.

“We will achieve net zero by 2050, reduce carbon emissions by 82% by 2035, and do it in a way that is reliable, affordable and respectful of the communities that support this infrastructure. I would like to make this happen. ”

She added that SRP alone cannot achieve these goals and the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is more than just a collection of 50 different turbines. “This is really a symbol and recognition of the strength of hope, progress and collaboration, as we all share a common vision of striving and thriving for Arizona for generations to come.” Because we cooperate based on this.

Amber Trudeau, acting manager of the Arizona Land Department’s right-of-way division, said every inch of the project on state trust land is generating revenue. “Over the next 30 years, we expect nearly $10 million in revenue from this project to be transferred to K-12 public schools. Foster open collaboration and honest communication among all involved. It was amazing to see how much intentional thought went into every aspect of this effort.”

NextEra Energy Resources Executive Director of Development JD Rulien thanked everyone involved in the project and praised Babbitt Ranches’ leadership. “You had the foresight to see how this land can continue to provide value to all Arizonans, including the wildlife that has been here long before us. What we have learned most from the Babitzes and Billy is that we must work together to rise to the opportunity of this modern energy revolution and continue to build assets like this that will deliver value for decades to come. Thank you for pointing this $160 billion company to the north star.”

““When I finished the trip, I was a little tired, but I felt a sense of meaningful fulfillment,” Cordasco said of the ultramarathon. Let’s take this journey together. It’s like I’ve been relying on each step step by step. myself Our common efforts move forward. us We move ourselves and everything we have towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. FBN

Bonnie Stevens, FBN

courtesy PHotou: Babbitt Ranch President and General Manager Billy Cordasco reflected on a recent ultramarathon that took him through the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, passing each of 50 turbines over 60 miles. “Under the vast night sky, I realized that the strength of this project lies not in the steel of the turbine, but in the faith and optimism that made it happen.”