In Northern Arizona, the newly completed Babbitt Ranch Energy Center stands as a beacon of renewable energy, but its roots go deeper than just clean power. This wind farm, developed by Salt River Project (SRP), NextEra Energy Resources, and Babbitt Ranches, is a product of the conservation values instilled in two of its champions, Billy Cordasco and Keith Woods, during their time at The Orme School. Though they approached the project from separate directions, their shared upbringing at Orme forged the principles that guided their contributions.
The Cowboy Essence: A Legacy of Stewardship
The "Cowboy Essence," as Billy Cordasco describes it, is the foundation of his family’s commitment to land stewardship and long-term sustainability. This ethos, which Cordasco and Woods absorbed during their years at The Orme School in Mayer, Arizona, emphasizes responsibility for the land, community, and future generations. The Orme School, a private college preparatory boarding school located on a 300-acre campus adjacent to the Prescott National Forest, offers students from around the world a unique educational experience. Programs such as sustainability, horsemanship, and outdoor education create an immersive environment where values like conservation are ingrained early on.
For Cordasco, the decision to keep Babbitt Ranches intact rather than sell it for development was a key moment in preserving his family’s legacy. “We had to put something so far out there that it took people out of their world and into a place where they could see something bigger than themselves,” Cordasco explained. The Cowboy Essence, instilled at Orme, drove this decision, ultimately leading the family to embrace renewable energy as part of their long-term vision.
A New Wind Power Frontier
The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, a 161-megawatt wind project, is the latest in SRP’s effort to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Developed in partnership with NextEra Energy Resources, the facility features 50 wind turbines that will generate clean energy to help meet the growing power demands of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The wind farm is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 homes annually, providing significant value to SRP’s 1.1 million customers by offering a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable energy.
By leveraging Northern Arizona’s abundant wind resources and existing transmission infrastructure, the project can deliver reliable, low-cost energy to SRP customers, including Google’s future data center in Mesa, Arizona. The project will also generate approximately $9.5 million in tax revenue over its lifespan for Coconino County, contributing to the local economy while supporting SRP’s long-term goal of decarbonizing its energy mix.
The energy produced at Babbitt Ranch will complement SRP’s solar resources, particularly during the evening and nighttime hours when solar is not available, ensuring a balanced and consistent supply of clean energy for the Valley.
Separate Paths, Common Values
While Billy Cordasco led the charge from the perspective of land stewardship, Keith Woods, who retired from the SRP Board in May 2024, championed renewable energy policy during his tenure. Woods saw Northern Arizona’s wind resources and existing transmission infrastructure as critical to expanding SRP’s clean energy portfolio. He advocated for policies that made the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center a viable project, recognizing the region’s potential for providing affordable, reliable power.
Though Cordasco and Woods did not work directly together on the project, their efforts were driven by a shared cause. “We were both guided by the same principles—stewardship, responsibility, and the belief that we must do what’s right for the land and for future generations,” Woods explained. Their time at The Orme School instilled in both a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community values, which played a significant role in their approach to this wind energy project.
A Legacy of Conservation and Innovation
The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center exemplifies how Orme School alumni have carried forward the values of conservation and responsibility into their professional lives. For both Cordasco and Woods, the project is a testament to the Cowboy Essence that continues to shape their approach to land and energy.
“We were again positioned, excited, and open to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Cordasco, reflecting on how his family embraced renewable energy development as a way to honor their legacy while contributing to a sustainable future.
About Billy Cordasco and Keith Woods
Billy Cordasco is the President of Babbitt Ranches, one of the West’s oldest and most respected land companies. Under his leadership, Babbitt Ranches has embraced conservation, land stewardship, and sustainable practices, including renewable energy development. Cordasco is a lifelong advocate for responsible land management and a proponent of the Cowboy Essence philosophy that guides the ranch's operations.
Keith Woods is the Chairman of SRP Landowners Alliance and CEO of the award-winning PR and marketing agency KB Woods. As a former SRP Board member, Woods played a key role in shaping SRP’s renewable energy policies and continues to champion responsible energy solutions and land conservation through his leadership roles.