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In 2003, Cliff Etheredge turned his attention from the soil to the sky and poured his energy into the business of wind energy. Putting himself through a crash course to learn everything he could about the wind industry, this lifelong cotton farmer also began convincing more than 350 landowners representing nearly 100,000 acres to believe in his vision. One by one, day by day, he got their commitment. Therein lay the roots of the groundbreaking Roscoe Wind Project, which will be the largest wind farm—a group of wind turbines in the same location used for production of electric power—in the world upon its completion later this year.

Understanding that a project involving so many landowners would represent a challenge, Cliff Etheredge formed the Roscoe Landowners Association. In 2005, Mr. Etheredge connected with a developer and worked on behalf of the Association throughout the entire contract negotiations and leasing process. The Roscoe Wind Project began construction in 2007.

Being developed in four phases, the project will produce enough power to supply 265,000 households. The lease revenues benefit area landowners, as well as four different school districts, and will boost the local economy significantly. Located in one of the most financially depressed areas in the state, the Roscoe Wind Project’s construction costs will run between $800 million and $1 billion. Already, the tax base for Roscoe Independent School District increased from $65 million in 2007 to $162 million in January 2008. It is estimated the tax base will increase to $360 million by 2010.

More than 520 turbines will sit adjacent to highways traveled by an estimated 20,000 people each day, and the project has brought attention from around the world to the pioneering efforts of Mr. Etheredge. He’s set up a nonprofit organization, the Roscoe Wind Council, to promote wind energy through educational materials and exhibits.

Recognizing the pie in the sky, Cliff Etheredge has helped breathe new life into his community while creating a blueprint for sustainable energy efforts everywhere.