Date: 01/17/2013
The Wyoming Supreme Court unanimously upheld the issuance of state and local permits for Wasatch Wind for the construction of two 31-turbine wind projects in Converse County, Wyoming. Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP (RJ&L) represented Wasatch Wind, a Salt Lake City, Utah-based wind energy developer, in this decision. The Court issued its ruling on December 14, 2012.
The wind projects, Pioneer Wind Park I and II, valued at approximately $180 million, have been in development for almost four years. John Masterson and Alaina Stedillie of RJ&L's Casper, Wyoming, office have worked with Wasatch Wind since the early days of the projects, participating in negotiations with landowners, drafting of transactional documents and contracts, as well as working with state and local governments. The wind projects have been opposed by a small, but well-funded opposition group that has repeatedly announced its intent to stop the projects at any cost.
Prior to its representation before the Wyoming Supreme Court, RJ&L appeared with Wasatch Wind in hearings before the Converse County Commissioners; the Cities of Glenrock, Rolling Hills, and Douglas; the Wyoming Public Service Commission; and the numerous state and federal agencies involved in the permitting. RJ&L assisted Wasatch Wind in successfully obtaining all the necessary permits for the projects from local and state government, and defended their issuance on appeal to state district court. The ruling of the Wyoming Supreme Court brings to an end the legal challenges to the issuance of the permits.
This update has been prepared by Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP (RJ&L) for general informational purposes only. These materials do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information provided in this update is not privileged and does not create an attorney-client relationship with RJ&L or any of the firm's lawyers. This update is not an offer to represent you. You should not act, or refrain from acting, based upon any information in this update. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on written information about qualifications or experiences. The Wyoming State Bar does not certify any lawyer as a specialist or expert. Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyer's credentials and ability, and not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise.
The name of the lawyer responsible for this alert is John Masterson. He may be reached at 307.232.0222 or by email at jmasterson@rothgerber.com.