Montana Ranchers Question Massive Solar Project

The $1.2-billion solar farm would provide power to data centers owned by Microsoft, Meta, and others.

1 minute read

May 13, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Black cow grazing in field with mountains in background in Montana.

Carrie / Adobe Stock

Residents near Cheyenne, Montana are expressing concern about a $1.2-billion solar farm project that will provide power to data centers nearby, reports Pat Maio in Cowboy State Daily.

The project will include over 1 million solar panels and a large battery storage system to be built on land leased from local property owners. “The proposed site is on virgin dry prairie grasslands that receive little rainfall and is subject to frequent high winds and hailstorms,” prompting concerns about potential lithium-based fires. The project infrastructure could also damage the fragile grassland ecosystem and have spillover effects on adjacent ranchland, while construction will bring hundreds of trucks through the area over two years. 

According to Paio, “Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council, the governmental body within the Department of Environmental Quality that considers such solar farm project proposals, approved the construction project in March, a 90-day fast track for the concept, which still needs approval from Laramie County commissioners.”

Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Cowboy State Daily

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic