In December 2005, a group called Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy (MCRE) was formed to oppose the development, citing concerns including potential reductions in property values, adverse effects on tourism, bat fatalities, claimed inefficiency of wind energy, tax benefits for wind factories,
environmental degradation, and stresses on the local infrastructure. MCRE and several local individuals filed motions to dismiss the application, but the PSC ultimately approved the project in December 2006. MCRE filed for reconsideration, but the PSC denied its motion. Subsequently, MCRE and Alicia Eisenbeiss filed separate appeals of the PSC's denial with the
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. They were heard on January 9, 2008. On June 23, 2008, the Court ruled in favor of Beech Ridge, indicating that the Public Service Commission had acted appropriately in granting the building permit, thus clearing the way for the development. The PSC held compliance hearings on October 16 and 17, during which it was announced that Beech Ridge would not build any turbines within one mile of the dwelling of anyone who opposed the project. As a result, financial settlements have been reached with several homeowners, and 5 turbines have been eliminated from the plans, reducing the total number planned to 119. On February 13, 2009, the PSC issued its final order, approving the start of construction. According to a Beech Ridge spokesman, the company planned to begin construction during the spring of 2009. The Court's decision to hear the case delayed the construction of the project, which was originally scheduled to begin in late 2007. According to a Beech Ridge spokesperson, "...this decision will definitely delay our efforts to finalize our construction plans and contracts and, for the time being, it has put our plans to hire West Virginia construction workers to build the project on hold." ==Construction==