Wyoming’s Renewable Energy Projects Continue Amid Legislative and Political Challenges

Despite a changing political climate and recent legislative initiatives aimed at promoting fossil fuels over renewables, wind and solar energy development in Wyoming remains on track, Cowboy State Daily reports.

Industry leaders report ongoing advancements in renewable projects, primarily due to their location on private land, which reduces exposure to federal permitting restrictions.

The renewable energy sector in Wyoming faces challenges from both federal and state directives. Recent executive orders under President Donald Trump called for a moratorium and review of wind leases, with Trump expressing a desire to halt further wind tower development nationwide. Additionally, state legislative proposals, such as Senate Joint Resolution 4, urge the Wyoming governor to prioritize traditional energy sources and limit the subsidization of renewable energy.

While these developments might seem daunting, Governor Mark Gordon’s office maintains an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, supporting all forms of energy production, including renewables.

Many Wyoming renewable energy projects are moving forward largely because they are situated on private property, shielding them from federal land permitting requirements.

BrightNight LLC, a Florida-based company, is developing a $500 million agrivoltaic solar farm in Converse County, integrating sheep grazing with solar arrays. The company reports approval from Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Commission and sees minimal risk from federal actions due to the private land location.

Nathan Campbell, BrightNight’s Director of Development, emphasized the strategic planning involved in their project.

“This site has been well-vetted. It takes about two years to get through the ISC,” he said.

Similarly, Laramie-based Airloom Energy, a startup aiming to develop more efficient and less intrusive wind towers, sees promise in the state’s current regulatory environment. CEO Neal Rickner noted that his projects are all on private land, minimizing potential regulatory challenges.

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project, Wyoming’s largest wind development backed by billionaire Phil Anschutz, remains on schedule. With a projected $5 billion investment, the project is set to generate 3,500 megawatts of power and has already secured federal and state permits.

Power Company of Wyoming’s Kara Choquette highlighted the project’s strong position:

“The CCSM project will be producing American-made energy at an unmatched scale to supply diverse markets across the Western US.”

According to the Wyoming Energy Authority, the state has seen more than $3.3 billion invested in wind energy, with additional projects set to bring the total to $10 billion. The industry is expected to create thousands of jobs and provide substantial tax revenues for the state.

PacificCorp’s ongoing projects also highlight the potential for further renewable development. Despite concerns about rate increases, the company asserts that renewable energy has contributed to lower operational costs.

Not all are in favor of the wind energy boom. Conservation groups, such as the Albany County Conservancy, have expressed concerns over the impact of wind farms on local wildlife, particularly golden eagles.

Lobbyist Dennis Stolte, representing the conservancy, criticized the Rail Tie Wind Project in Albany County, citing environmental concerns and aesthetic changes to the landscape.

“They’re transforming my beloved state of Wyoming into something I don’t recognize,” Stolte said.