ISC approves Laramie Range Wind permit one year after county commissioners' denial
The Wyoming Industrial Siting Council approved a permit for ConnectGen's Laramie Range Wind Project, a 139-turbine wind farm, despite previous denial by Laramie County Commissioners and landowner concerns. The decision comes amidst a broader discussion by council members about a wave of industrial development, including data centers, in Laramie County. Landowners expressed disappointment and are considering legal options.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Industrial Siting Council (ISC) has approved a permit for the Laramie Range Wind Project, developed by ConnectGen Laramie County, an affiliate of Repsol Renewables North America. This decision, reached after nearly 18 hours of public hearings, overturns a previous denial by the Laramie County Board of County Commissioners, who had cited incomplete information regarding project design, water well permits, and wildlife impact. The project involves installing 139 turbines across 41,220 acres of private and state lands, situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Cheyenne, with construction anticipated to commence by the fourth quarter of 2027.
Despite concerns voiced by some council members regarding the project’s potential effects on local residents, water resources, and the applicant's financial readiness, the ISC unanimously approved the permit. This approval is subject to 26 conditions, two of which were amended to bolster protections for occupied residences and ranch headquarters adjacent to the project. Councilman Jim Miller criticized ConnectGen's community engagement, although he ultimately voted in favor of the permit, while others, like Councilwomen Brenda Schladweiler and Kristin Lee, stated they found no legal grounds for denial.
Following the council’s decision, local resident Wendy Volk expressed profound disappointment, asserting that the approval fails to resolve the project's inherent risks. Volk indicated her family would review the council's findings and imposed conditions, and consult legal counsel regarding available options for affected landowners. Council members also acknowledged the unprecedented scale of industrial development proposed for Laramie County, encompassing data centers, wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. The ISC later discussed impact assistance funds for Laramie County and the City of Cheyenne.