BLM approves Two Rivers wind energy project
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RAWLINS, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office today issued a decision record approving the Two Rivers wind energy project on 4,507 acres of BLM-managed land near Medicine Bow and Rock River in Carbon and Albany counties.
“BLM continues to ensure that our public lands deliver clean energy to the nation, while also protecting wildlife habitat and other natural treasures,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “The company’s proposal and the jobs it will create was shaped by the work we did with the Tribes, the state and the public —and it was made better for it.”
The approved project will encompass up to 15,953 acres and include up to 38 wind turbines capable of generating up to 280 megawatts, a 34.5-kilovolt collection system, two 230-kilovolt transmission lines, and other project-related infrastructure. The project would contribute enough electricity to power 120,196 homes for one year. The project will be developed in two phases across separate locations, with transmission lines connecting facilities constructed during each phase to PacifiCorp’s Freezeout substation. Construction is expected to start this coming summer. Commercial operations for all areas are anticipated by 2027.
Since January 2021, BLM has approved 45 renewable energy projects on public lands (11 solar, 14 geothermal, two wind, and 18 gen-ties) and exceeded the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025. Overall, BLM has permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of more than 33 gigawatts – enough to power more than 15 million homes. This year BLM also issued a final Renewable Energy Rule that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve project application processes, create jobs, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands.
The environmental analysis was open for a 30-day public comment period before BLM made its final decision, which includes protections for eagles, raptors, and other bird species and their nests. The decision record, environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, and supporting documents are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2003881/510.
For more information or questions, please contact Tim Novotny at 307-328-4311.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.