wind farm

A new wind project proposal is stirring up old debates in Laramie County, with some residents anxious about its impact on wildlife and the landscape.

“It has been a long wait, but Wyoming is thrilled to finally see this innovative answer to the disposal needs of inert decommissioned wind turbine materials approved,” stated Todd Parfitt, Wyoming’s Director of the WDEQ.

Construction is estimated to cost about $1 billion.

The wind farm south of Rawlins is expected to include up to 1,000 wind turbines.

Solar power often gets attention for efficiency gains but many U.S. utilities also are working to squeeze more megawatts out of wind, PacifiCorp spokesman Spencer Hall said.

Construction manpower is expected to peak at 265 workers in July 2020, but will average 125 workers over the 17-month construction period.

Roundhouse Renewable Energy, LLC is seeking to build a wind energy facility nine miles west of Cheyenne.

The details of what has pushed both companies to pursue legal action are confidential.

A company obtaining a permit must mitigate the likelihood of eagle deaths before, during and after construction.

Wyoming also sees wind flow generally different than that of the western plains, where many of Colorado's existing farms are built.