One of Wyoming’s most controversial wind energy developments planned for southern Albany County received a new lease on life Tuesday after commissioners voted 2-1 to grant a five-year extension of the Rail Tie Wind Project's permit.
The vote allows developers to continue work on the 504-megawatt facility proposed on roughly 26,000 acres about 15 miles south of Laramie. The project's Wind Energy Conversion System current five-year permit, originally approved in 2021, was set to expire July 16.
Developers argued the project remains viable despite years of delays caused by litigation and supply chain challenges.
Opponents who have long been vocal against the development countered that construction progress has been minimal, and they questioned whether the project has demonstrated enough activity to justify another five years.
The wind farm is expected to generate nearly $26 million in county sales tax revenue from construction materials and more than $128 million in future property and production tax revenue, according to Spanish energy giant Repsol Renewables, which is behind the project.
Developers estimate construction would create about 225 jobs and support up to 23 permanent positions.
County Staff Recommends Extension
Albany County Planning Director David Gertsch told commissioners that staff recommended approving the extension. Under county regulations, commissioners could grant the extension if they determined the project remained viable.
Viability was contingent on two factors: determining that a delay in construction was caused by project management and coordination issues that would be resolved in the near future and proof that construction activities had started.
The Wyoming Industrial Siting Council previously approved an extension of the project's state siting permit through 2029, contingent upon continued compliance with county permitting requirements.
"My brief analysis is that ConnectGen Albany County LLC has substantially commenced work on the WECS project until federal litigation forced the construction to be put on hold," Gertsch said, referencing the company that originally initiated and permitted the project.
ConnedtGen was acquired by Repsol.
Opponents Question Progress
Public comment on the permit extension lasted more than an hour, with about two dozen people speaking for and against it.
Mark Stewart, an attorney with Davis & Cannon representing Monaghan Farms, a neighboring nonparticipating landowner, argued the developer has not demonstrated substantial progress.
Stewart noted the project calls for about 60 miles of roads, but only about 5 miles have been completed. Foundations have been excavated for 10 turbines, he said, despite plans for about 120 turbines.
"Zero turbines have been installed and 0% of turbines have been purchased," Stewart said.
Licensed civil engineer Steven Vander Giessen agreed and questioned whether the construction activity completed in late 2024 represents meaningful progress.
"In my opinion, the amount of construction that has been done is minuscule. It's certainly not substantial," he said.
Vander Giessen described the activity as a burst of work at the end of 2024 followed by an apparent halt.
"I believe this was done solely so the applicant can claim they started construction in 2024," he said. "I find it suspicious and I am therefore suspicious of the applicant's intentions."
Several opponents also expressed broader concerns about the growing concentration of wind projects across southeastern Wyoming.
"This commission must address the Wyoming wind wall rapidly forming along the I-80 and Highway 287 gateway to Albany County,” county residents Anne Brande wrote in an email to commissioners.
Wendy Volk questioned whether a permit approved in 2021 should continue unchanged a decade later.
"The decision is not about whether a wind project has a place in Wyoming," Volk said via Zoom. "It is about whether a permit approved in 2021 should automatically remain valid to 2031 when both the project and region have changed dramatically."
Other opponents raised concerns about wildlife impacts, noise and shadow flicker.
Developer Says Litigation Drove Delays
Derek Reiman, chief development officer for the project, said ongoing legal challenges have been the primary reason construction has not advanced more quickly.
"Objectors have repeatedly and unsuccessfully challenged the project's permits and approvals," Reiman told commissioners.
Construction began in December 2024 after earlier legal disputes had been resolved, he said. But almost immediately, another federal lawsuit was filed, creating additional uncertainty.
Charlie Banke, the project's development manager, described himself as the "boots on the ground" representative for Rail Tie and praised the Bath family, whose ranch hosts much of the development area.
He said years of delays have compressed the construction timeline, requiring phases originally planned to happen sequentially to happen simultaneously.
He reiterated that adequate housing supply exists in Albany County to support the project buildout, as housing now “significantly exceeds demand.”
Supporters Cite Property Rights, Tax Revenue
Supporters argued the project would strengthen the local economy while respecting private property rights.
Longtime Laramie resident Gary Negich said he has supported the project from the beginning because of its economic benefits.
"What that can do for the local economy that has been suffering for some time is incredible," he said.
Juan Reyes, who has ranched on nearby Boulder Ridge since 1977, said the issue comes down to landowners deciding how to use their property.
"As you're talking viewshed, the way I see it is that my viewshed ends at the end of my property line," Reyes said.
Laramie County rancher Mark Eisele, whose property is already surrounded by wind farms on two sides, disputed claims that wind development harms wildlife or livestock.
He said wind lease revenue has helped keep ranching operations viable and allowed younger generations of his family to remain in Wyoming.
Nancy Bath, whose family ranch hosts much of the project, said wind lease payments have helped fund improvements and support the ranch's future.
"Because of the wind lease we are able to make improvements on our ranch," Bath said. "We would like to continue this ranching tradition, and we feel the wind project will help with that."
She added that rejecting the extension would send a negative message to businesses considering future investment in Albany County.
Commissioners Split
Following public comment, commissioners spent about 10 minutes discussing the proposal before voting.
Commissioner Pete Gosar said much of the public testimony revisited legal disputes that had already been settled years ago.
"Going back over that is not our job today," Gosar said. "I do believe this is a viable project."
Commissioner Thad Hoff remained unconvinced.
He pointed to a county stop-work order issued in June 2025 and questioned the project's progress over the past five years. Hoff also said satellite imagery appeared to show some project roads had deteriorated.
Addressing Banke, Hoff asked where the project's local presence could be found.
"Where are your boots on the ground here?" Hoff asked. "This is the first time in 18 months that I've met you."
Hoff said he believed the company was "fishing to keep the project alive" and had failed to demonstrate that it was being a good neighbor.
Commission Chairwoman Terri Jones joined Gosar in voting for the extension, giving the Rail Tie Wind Project another five years to move forward with construction.
Kate Meadows can be reached at kate@cowboystatedaily.com.
