Wyoming State Board Approves Cancellation of Controversial Wind Energy Leases
Boosting U.S. Energy Production
The Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners made a significant decision on February 5, voting 3–2 to initiate the cancellation of controversial wind leases associated with the Pronghorn and Sidewinder projects located in the eastern part of the state.
The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the Pronghorn project is situated on state land in Converse County, while the Sidewinder project is found in Niobrara County. Both leases were initially approved by the state board in April 2025 but have faced considerable opposition from local residents and landowners.
According to the report, Auditor Kristi Racines, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder supported the motions to begin unwinding the wind leases. In contrast, Gov. Mark Gordon and Treasurer Curt Meier opposed the action.
EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP ADMIN NIXES GIANT WIND FARM APPROVED ‘LAST-MINUTE’ BY BIDEN TEAM
A pickup truck drives past wind turbines generating electricity near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, on Aug. 14, 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Following the vote, Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed his belief that the board was acting within its authority, especially after a court ruled the original lease approval as unlawful. He stated, “I continue to oppose these woke wind leases because they’re wrong for Wyoming and are inconsistent with the fiduciary duty of the Board.” Gray, who was the only member of the State Board of Land Commissioners to vote against the wind proposal when it was first presented in April, emphasized that residents of Converse and Niobrara Counties have been eagerly awaiting a resolution to this matter.
The Boysen Dam stands on the Wind River near Shoshoni, Wyoming on July 5, 2023. (Don And Melinda Crawford/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
MINNESOTA GREEN ENERGY PROGRAM FUNDED BY OBAMA FINED FOR KILLING BALD EAGLE: ‘NATIONAL TREASURE’
During the public comment session held at the Capitol Complex Auditorium in Cheyenne, many residents voiced their concerns regarding the long-term effects of large-scale wind development on wildlife, water resources, and property values. Some attendees highlighted issues related to water usage and infrastructure, arguing that the projects could potentially strain local water supplies and disrupt existing land uses. Several speakers also criticized the perceived lack of transparency and the shifting plans associated with the projects.
A man talks with an employee while touring his ranch on July 23, 2024, near Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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One resident expressed frustration, stating, “There’s not been a lot of transparency in this whole thing. That’s been one of our complaints,” during the lengthy six-hour meeting.
Boosting U.S. Energy Production
The Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners made a significant decision on February 5, voting 3–2 to initiate the cancellation of controversial wind leases associated with the Pronghorn and Sidewinder projects located in the eastern part of the state.
The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the Pronghorn project is situated on state land in Converse County, while the Sidewinder project is found in Niobrara County. Both leases were initially approved by the state board in April 2025 but have faced considerable opposition from local residents and landowners.
According to the report, Auditor Kristi Racines, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder supported the motions to begin unwinding the wind leases. In contrast, Gov. Mark Gordon and Treasurer Curt Meier opposed the action.
EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP ADMIN NIXES GIANT WIND FARM APPROVED ‘LAST-MINUTE’ BY BIDEN TEAM
A pickup truck drives past wind turbines generating electricity near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, on Aug. 14, 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Following the vote, Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed his belief that the board was acting within its authority, especially after a court ruled the original lease approval as unlawful. He stated, “I continue to oppose these woke wind leases because they’re wrong for Wyoming and are inconsistent with the fiduciary duty of the Board.” Gray, who was the only member of the State Board of Land Commissioners to vote against the wind proposal when it was first presented in April, emphasized that residents of Converse and Niobrara Counties have been eagerly awaiting a resolution to this matter.
The Boysen Dam stands on the Wind River near Shoshoni, Wyoming on July 5, 2023. (Don And Melinda Crawford/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
MINNESOTA GREEN ENERGY PROGRAM FUNDED BY OBAMA FINED FOR KILLING BALD EAGLE: ‘NATIONAL TREASURE’
During the public comment session held at the Capitol Complex Auditorium in Cheyenne, many residents voiced their concerns regarding the long-term effects of large-scale wind development on wildlife, water resources, and property values. Some attendees highlighted issues related to water usage and infrastructure, arguing that the projects could potentially strain local water supplies and disrupt existing land uses. Several speakers also criticized the perceived lack of transparency and the shifting plans associated with the projects.
A man talks with an employee while touring his ranch on July 23, 2024, near Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
One resident expressed frustration, stating, “There’s not been a lot of transparency in this whole thing. That’s been one of our complaints,” during the lengthy six-hour meeting.
