CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Laramie County commissioners denied a site plan application for a major wind energy project that would have included up to 170 turbines in an area northwest of Cheyenne. The decision came after a lengthy public hearing during which residents expressed strong opposition to the project.
The proposed Laramie Range Wind Project, a $1.1 billion investment by ConnectGen Laramie County LLC, would have covered 56,000 acres.
Charlie Banke, the company’s project manager, told the board that the project would generate more than $190 million in tax revenue for the county while also creating over 300 construction jobs.
Despite the economic benefits, residents expressed concern about the project’s effects on water resources, traffic, wildlife, and property values.
Several residents also claimed they were not properly notified and were concerned about fire hazards and how the turbines would be decommissioned.
Jackson Stewart, a lawyer for several ranchers, spoke in favor of the project. He stated that the wind farm would provide economic diversification and help multigenerational ranches stay in business.
Commissioner Ty Zwonitzer expressed concern about the project’s risks, while Commissioners Donn Hollingshead and Linda Heath emphasized the need to protect the area’s landscape and wildlife.
Commissioner Troy Thompson, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Chair Gunnar Malm, was the only supporter, arguing that the applicant had followed all county regulations and that denying the permit based solely on public opposition would be arbitrary.
A motion to approve the site plan failed 3-1. Commissioners Heath, Hollingshead, and Zwonitzer opposed the project, while Thompson voted in favor. There was no action taken on a separate permit for a high-power transmission line because it is under state jurisdiction.
