Their post may be the first VFW in the country to use wind power.

And if the city approves a new ordinance, the VFW members' efforts will pave the way for many other Casperites to do the same.

VFW Post 9439 commander Ernie Blackford said the Brian Stock Trail post tries to be "a little innovative," and this is just one more way. In addition to being the only "green" VFW in the country, it's also the first organization in the city limits to utilize wind power.

The best part, Blackford said, was that Rocky Mountain Power footed all of the $41,000 bill.

Through the power company's Blue Sky program, the VFW ordered three, 2-kilowatt wind turbines on one condition: the towers must be available for educational purposes.

"We decided if we can do it, and they will give us the money to do it, we will be glad to help promote it and work with the college," said Senior Vice Commander Ron Steffensmeier.

Once the turbines are up and running, which may be as soon as next week, Steffensmeier said Casper College students will measure the energy generated from the turbines to determine which height is most efficient. The actual turbines are the same, but the pole lengths are 33, 45 and 60 feet tall.

Steffensmeier said the city was helpful during the process and made the VFW's conditional use permit as painless as possible.

Associate City Planner Craig Collins said it's because he believes wind energy is critical to Wyoming's future. A diversified energy source for the city helps ensure long-term health and sustainability for residents.

As a result, it's important to set guidelines for homeowners and businesses as renewable energy becomes more common and desirable.

Some of the proposed guidelines include restrictions on height, color, size and noise level. If the council OKs the ordinance for consideration at a regular meeting, it would take three approvals before the changes become official.

If this happens, and an applicant meets the set regulations, all he or she needs to do is pick up a building permit and install a turbine.

But don't worry: each turbine requires a minimum lot size of about one-half acre, so 45-foot wind turbines won't be constructed in every yard in the city.

"Honestly, though, there aren't a lot of half-acre lots in the city limits. On the outskirts of town there are some half-acre lots, but you aren't going to see a whole lot of those in town," he said.

Interest in the technology is rapidly increasing, said Deb Theriault, co-owner of SunPower Energy, a local firm that sells and installs wind turbines.

Most of the people they are working with are in the county since the lot sizes are larger and fewer trees and buildings stand in the way of the wind. But SunPower plans to install the VFW's new turbines when the time comes, serving as an example for those interested in wind power.

Even though the savings with wind energy may not immediately pay for the cost of the turbines for most users, Steffensmeier said it could cut as much as 30 to 60 percent off the post's energy bill.

As cooler months approach and people budget extra money for the increase in heating, some may be benefiting from Wyoming's winter wind.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

The Casper City Council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. today in City Hall, 200 N. David St.]]->