Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners to Vote on Rejection of Controversial Wind Lease

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is advocating for the State Board of Land Commissioners to reject a proposed wind lease, citing concerns over its alignment with Wyoming values. He previously voted against two 'Clean Wind' projects, the Pronghorn Project in Converse County and the Sidewinder Project in Niobrara County, due to their reliance on subsidies and foreign investment from companies like Nordex and Acciona.

Gray claims these projects contribute to rising electricity costs and benefit foreign billionaires rather than Wyoming citizens. A recent court ruling reversed the Board's prior decision on the Pronghorn Project, highlighting issues such as the lease's allowance for foreign assignment of rights and its potential to generate synthetic fuel rather than energy for the grid. A special meeting is scheduled for December 18, where the Board will decide whether to accept the court ruling and reject the lease.