BLM and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extend public comment period on the Two Rivers Wind Energy Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have extended the public comment on an environmental assessment of the proposed Two Rivers Wind Energy Project, which would be located near the Towns of Medicine Bow and Rock River in Carbon and Albany counties, Wyoming.

The BLM believes it is important to give the public and cooperators sufficient time to review and comment on the project. Specifically, some boards and commissions need time to discuss the project and to formulate comments and this two-week extension allows for that to happen. The public scoping period now closes on December 23, 2022.

The proposed project includes up to 79 wind turbines that could generate up to 420 megawatts of renewable energy through the development of two wind development phases that are geographically separate (Two Rivers Phase I-III and Phase IV). Associated transmission lines will connect both wind development phases to PacifiCorp’s Freezeout substation. The environmental assessment analyzes potential effects for the construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the commercial wind energy facility proposed on lands administered by the BLM that are interspersed with private and state lands.

Additionally, the assessment analyzes the environmental consequences of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issuing an incidental eagle take permit for the project. The two agencies coordinated in the preparation of the environmental assessment and, if applicable, will issue a joint Finding of No Significant Impact. Other decision documents, such as permit authorizations and decision records, will be completed separately for each agency. Commercial operations for all wind development areas are expected in late 2024.

The draft environmental assessment and other application materials are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2003881/510 to solicit comments until December 23, 2022.

For more information on the Two Rivers Wind Energy Project, contact BLM Wyoming Public Affairs Specialist Azure Hall at 307-274-5591.