Recent decisions by Wyoming's State Board of Land Commissioners have put the future of two significant wind energy projects, Pronghorn H2 and Sidewinder, in jeopardy. The board voted 3-2 to begin the process of canceling these leases amid public opposition and a recent court ruling that invalidated another lease associated with these projects.
1. Background of Projects:
• The Pronghorn H2 Clean Energy Project was planned as a combined wind and solar facility, with a focus on producing hydrogen on approximately 46,000 acres in Converse County.
• Sidewinder, a related wind project in Niobrara County, was intended to work alongside Pronghorn and originally linked to clean hydrogen production.
2. Court Ruling:
• A December 2025 court ruling by Judge F. Scott Peasley deemed a state land lease for the Pronghorn project unlawful, stating it did not stipulate that electricity from the wind farm would be used to supply the grid, violating state rules.
3. Public Opposition:
• The board's decision followed extensive public comments expressing concerns about the projects, leading to their reevaluation and potential cancellation.
4. Current Developments:
• Focus Clean Energy, the company behind Pronghorn and Sidewinder, announced a reduction in the project's footprint from over 57,000 acres to about 16,571 acres and removed the hydrogen production aspect altogether. The company believes these changes will address community concerns.
5. Legal Battle Ahead:
• Despite the board's decision, Focus Clean Energy plans to continue legal efforts to reinstate its wind lease, expressing confidence that it will prevail in the state’s top court.
6. Environmental Impact:
• The cancellations are seen as positive news for local wildlife, particularly birds like eagles and hawks, which are often adversely affected by wind farms.
7. Local Sentiments:
• Many residents in Wyoming have expressed relief over the board's decision, as they were largely against the wind projects, citing concerns about their reliability and suitability in Wyoming’s climate.
Wyoming's move to potentially cancel the Pronghorn H2 and Sidewinder wind projects highlights ongoing tensions between the development of renewable energy and community concerns about environmental impact and project viability. The upcoming legal challenges and community reactions will shape the energy landscape in Wyoming moving forward.
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