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Wyoming rancher fights back against a $1.7 billion wind and hydrogen project, claiming it threatens a seven-generation legacy and the future of his family’s land.
When a $1.7 billion green hydrogen project was approved next to Mike Stephens’ century-old Wyoming ranch, he didn’t stay silent. Now, he’s taking the state to court—fighting to preserve his land, his legacy, and the view his great-grandchildren may never see.
In the rolling plains of Converse County, Wyoming, a legal battle is unfolding that pits a century-old ranching legacy against the state’s push for renewable energy. (Ground News)
Mike Stephens, a third-generation rancher whose family has worked the land since 1912, has filed a lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. He contends that the board failed to adhere to proper procedures when approving a lease for the Pronghorn Clean Hydrogen Center, a proposed 302.5-megawatt wind project.
cowboystatedaily.com
The project, developed by Pronghorn H2, LLC—a subsidiary of Acciona and Nordex Green Hydrogen—aims to utilize wind and solar power to produce green hydrogen jet fuel. The facility would span approximately 46,000 acres, including 13,838 acres of state land adjacent to Stephens’ property. thewrangler.com
Stephens’ primary concerns revolve around the potential environmental impact, the unproven nature of the technology, and the 45-year lease term. He fears that if the project fails, the state could be left with the burden of decommissioning the infrastructure.
“It’s right in my backyard,” Stephens said. “I border it. It’s beautiful. It’s like our Tetons and our Bighorn Mountains.”facebook.com
The lawsuit, filed on April 30, requests the Eighth Judicial District Court in Douglas to review the board’s decision-making process. Stephens’ attorney, Patrick Lewallen, emphasized concerns about whether the wind leasing rules permit such a lease and whether adequate protections are in place should the project go bankrupt.glenrockind.com
Focus Clean Energy, overseeing the Pronghorn project, asserts that the initiative represents a $1.7 billion private investment, promising 107 jobs and an estimated $471 million in tax revenue over 35 years. Company President Paul Martin stated that the project has received written consent from state leaseholders and will comply with Wyoming’s regulations protecting water, wildlife, and cultural resources.
Despite these assurances, opposition is mounting. Local residents, including Glenrock Mayor Bruce Roumell and several state legislators, have voiced concerns about water usage, potential impacts on wildlife habitats, and the preservation of historical sites. A grassroots movement has emerged, with opponents organizing tours of the proposed site and creating the website www.againstpronghornh2project.com to rally support.
Stephens, anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild, reflects on the legacy at stake. “That would be the seventh generation,” he said. “If they go a 45-year lease, they’ll never see the view I see.”
As the legal proceedings advance, the case underscores the broader tension between renewable energy development and the preservation of rural heritage. The outcome may set a precedent for how such projects are approached in the future, balancing progress with tradition.
