Cheyenne Residents Oppose Black Hills Energy Gas Plant
Rural residents north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, are strongly opposing a proposed natural gas power plant by Black Hills Energy, fearing it will industrialize their agricultural community and potentially power future data centers. A contentious meeting revealed unanimous local opposition, with residents expressing concerns about water usage, emissions, noise, and the impact on property values and the area's character. The project is in its early stages and will undergo a multi-year state review process.
Residents of a rural neighborhood along Horse Creek Road northwest of Cheyenne, Wyoming, are vehemently opposing a proposed natural gas power plant with onsite battery storage by Black Hills Energy. Robert Kissel, a resident, described a recent informational meeting for adjacent landowners as "very contentious," with none of the approximately 40 attendees expressing support for the project. Residents are concerned about the industrialization of their historically agricultural community, potential impacts on water resources and air quality, and the changing character of the area due to large-scale developments.
Local real estate agent Wendy Volk highlighted a pattern of large deals in Horse Creek, citing a recently approved rock quarry expansion and a wind project. Residents also recalled successfully fighting a proposed bitcoin mining operation. Kissel specifically voiced concerns that the battery storage component of Black Hills Energy's project might indicate an intention to power data centers, noting the influx of potential data centers in Laramie County and the area's unsuitability for such industrial development due to a lack of commercial zoning, natural gas wells, and fiber optic connectivity.
Black Hills Energy stated it is in the early stages of planning and is committed to following all regulatory requirements. The project will trigger a multi-year review process by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Division and require permits outlining water use and emissions. The company, which is in the midst of a $15.4 billion merger with Northwestern Energy, expects a two-year timeline before any potential groundbreaking, assuming permits are approved. Residents worry that the merger will transform Black Hills Energy into a larger, multi-state corporation less responsive to local concerns.