The Wyoming Mining Association sought authority to approve or deny a solar farm project in Sweetwater County and was denied, according to Sweetwater County Commissioner John Kolb.
Kolb, speaking to other commissioners Tuesday, said he had a meeting with a representative of the WMA and was asked if the county would consider giving authority to WMA members regarding projects that could involve land leased for mining activity.
The mining association is a statewide trade organization representing 37 mining companies and more than 300 other members, including two railroads and an electricity co-op.
According to a letter sent to the county and signed by the WMA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Downing, the WMA’s Trona Workgroup recommends language added to the county’s forthcoming solar farm regulations. That language which would result in permit seekers being forced to both notify those holding mineral leases or mining permits and request their consent before continuing forward with an utility-grade solar farm project.
The WMA fears potential surface conflicts with existing mining operations. In Wyoming, surface uses related to mining take precedence over other surface uses and a recent solar farm proposal made to the county would involve land inside trona mine permit boundaries.
“We believe the project proponents were unaware of, or didn’t understand the significance of the rights already granted to the existing mineral lease and mine permits holders in these areas,” Downing wrote.
Kolb said he didn’t agree with association’s request, disliking the idea of giving up the county’s authority regarding permitting, saying he wouldn’t give up his authority as an elected official for the WMA to agree or disagree with a permit. Commissioner Wally Johnson agrees with Kolb’s assessment of the situation.
“In my opinion, the WMA can come in and give opinion, but will not have the authority to veto something in the best interest of Sweetwater County,” Johnson said.
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