manifesto

Note from the Author

My name is Joe Benedetta and I'm a resident of Glenrock, Wyoming. I am also a member of the Converse County Planning and Zoning Board; however, I want to make it clear that I have no inside or privileged information regarding the Pronghorn H2 Project. All information I share is based on publicly available sources. My views and statements reflect my position as a private citizen and do not represent the views of Converse County or any official body. 

Introduction

PRONGHORN H2, LLC is proposing a wind farm along the Front Range of the Laramie Mountains south of the Town of Glenrock, Wyoming associated with a proposed solar farm and Hydrogen refinery adjacent to The North Platte River east of Glenrock. The proposed project will be located on private land and the State of Wyoming Lands with some parcels of Federal Land adjacent to or surrounded by the project footprint. The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) approved leasing State Land for the project on April 3, 2025.

Key Concerns and Arguments

The announcement of the Pronghorn H2 Project has sparked significant opposition from various stakeholders, residents and community members. This document aims to outline briefly the primary concerns and arguments of many of those opposing the project.

Environmental Impact

The Pronghorn H2 Project has raised substantial concerns regarding its potential environmental impact. The erection of wind turbines will disrupt local wildlife habitats, particularly affecting bird and bat populations. History shows that wind turbines will lead to increased mortality rates among these species, thereby disturbing the ecological balance. The current AI supported camera-based systems being used to reduce the bird strike potential are improving but are experimental at the best. Another method being tried is to paint one of the turbines black is unproven at this time. Per the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, habitat for several endangered species (Bald and Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and others) are near or in the project footprint. The proposed area of wind turbine placement is also prime wintering ground for mule deer and pronghorn antelope. In recent years, WGFD has worked diligently to improve/enhance the mountain mahogany in this area, only to see the habitat destroyed by wind farm construction. Similarly, the Solar Farm project site lies within a migratory path for several bird species. In addition, the proposed site of the solar farm and hydrogen plant is home to a diverse flora and fauna, habitat for fish, waterfowl and endangered species. Furthermore, the construction of roads, pads, buildings and pipelines itself result in the destruction of natural habitats and vegetation, never to return, further aggravating the negative environmental impact of the project area.

Safety Concerns

Pronghorn H2 has shared via public information that the end result of this massive undertaking will be the production of Synthetic Aviation Fuel (SAF) using hydrogen and carbon dioxide, delivered to Denver International Airport (DIA). The refining process necessary to synthesize aviation fuel by combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide introduces another complexity to the Pronghorn H2 Project. This relatively new chemical procedure involves advanced technologies and infrastructure that are best described as inefficient. Thus, prompting safety and environmental impact issues. Questions regarding the reliability and scalability of such methods remain unanswered, adding to the concern regarding the feasibility of the project. Green Hydrogen is highly flammable, even explosive. Carbon Dioxide, while less flammable, can also be harmful if released in high concentrations. In addition, the safety challenges of storage and transport of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and the resulting fuels raise concerns for the neighboring communities. What cannot be overlooked is the impact of hydrogen leaking, not just a potential catastrophic leak but the industry acknowledged inherent loss of 4-9% of hydrogen during production. This hydrogen release is comparable to 10 times that amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Therefore, begging the question, how safe and how green is Green Hydrogen production.

Water Use

Green Hydrogen production requires substantial amounts of water. In arid regions, such as the proposed site, water is a precious commodity. There is a real risk of impacting local water supplies, particularly in our area already facing drought conditions. Latest information suggests water may be drawn from the North Platte River; therefore, impacts may be felt downstream of the project site, as well. Flow patterns and quantity with regard to the actual water draw and water quality regarding the discharge of wastewater if not properly treated. Pronghorn H2 Plan “B” could result in the water acquisition from deep wells in remote aquifers, possibly the Madison Formation. 

What no one seems to know is the possible relationship of this aquifer and other aquifers more readily suited for normal household and irrigation wells. Per Pronghorn H2 literature, 33% of the drawn water will be returned to the environment by way of evaporation and deep well injection.  Evaporation losses could be as high as 10%, leaving roughly 23% of total water draw for “deep well injection”. Pronghorn H2 Project literature estimates their usable water requirement at 300 acre-feet per year (1 acre-foot = 325,851 gallons).  More importantly, readily available information suggests the water draw to achieve 300 acre-feet (97,754,429 gallons) of usable water per year for hydrogen production could be as high as an additional 40% or 420 acre-feet annually. When water requirements for the solar farm, cooling and maintenance are included, the actual annual water draw is likely a minimum of 500 acre-feet (162,925,714). The literature suggests that the water draw for this project could approach 700-1000 acre-feet annually. Water from the Madison Formation, particularly in and around Glenrock, shows high levels of Total Dissolved Solids requiring substantial pre-treatment. Just as important is that the wastewater returned to the environment must be treated before discharge. Sodium bicarbonate and calcium sulfate common in the water of the Madison Formation would create devastating salinity issues (soil and water) if discharged improperly. So, at this point, huge volumes of water are required regardless of the source.  The concern is the strain on or disruption of groundwater reserves or diversion from the North Platte River and the risks to agricultural activities, aquatic ecosystems, and the overall sustainability of water resources in the region and the potential impact on the municipal water supply of the Town of Glenrock.

The lack of transparency on water sourcing and consumption volumes breeds distrust. Without robust safeguards put in place during water draw and wastewater discharge, this project risks long-term environmental and economic harm to the region.

Visual and Aesthetic Concerns

Another significant argument against the project revolves around its impact on the visual and aesthetic appeal of the region. The towering wind turbines and their blinking red lights will mar the natural beauty of the landscape, leading to a loss of scenic vistas and affecting tourism in the area.  Radar driven systems designed to supposedly turn the lights on only when aircraft are in the vicinity are problematic, meaning that often the system is in the default position, all lights on. Often overlooked but of significance is the flickering and shadowing that can be associated with wind turbines operation. The alteration of the visual environment is viewed as a detriment to the region's charm and appeal. Similar concerns exist regarding the solar farm and hydrogen refinery portion of the project. 

The location proposed for the solar farm and hydrogen refinery, adjacent to the North Platte will significantly impact negatively the view from residential properties in the area. Inherent with solar farms is the high probability of glint and glare from the panel surface as the system tracks the sun, creating a regular annoyance fostering a reduction in quality of life for residents and wildlife.  In addition, construction will encroach upon areas of cultural and historical significance. Be it the trails that westbound settlers followed, graves of the unfortunate ones, teepee and ceremonial rings of indigenous people or simply the natural beauty of the area. The impact on the heritage of the area is unmistakable.

Noise and Light Pollution

The issue of noise pollution is serious concern by opponents of the Pronghorn H2 Project. Wind turbines are known to produce constant hum, turbine “swoosh”, and mechanical gearbox noises, which are a source of disturbance for nearby residents and wildlife.  Green Hydrogen production and CO2 refining will generate constant noise from electrolysis units, cooling systems, compressors, pumps, pipelines, maintenance activities and traffic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, noise from inverters, switchgear and electric transmission associated with a solar farm. The noise generated will negatively impact on the quality of life, causing stress and sleep disturbances for those living in proximity to the wind farm and hydrogen refinery. And pose further impact to wildlife habitat and migration patterns. In addition, studies conclude that inaudible noise created by all aspects of this development impacts human sleep patterns, foster discomfort and reduces quality of life for humans. Similarly, wildlife will alter migration often leaving the areas impacted by the noise. Also important is the potential light pollution from the proposed facilities. The aforementioned red lights or the Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) can pollute the otherwise dark night sky for 20 miles or more. Other wind farm created light pollution may include maintenance lighting and/or control buildings.  The proposed solar farm and Hydrogen refinery will light up the night sky with safety and security lighting (flashing beacons, floodlights, etc.) around the facility perimeter, in parking areas and throughout the refinery footprint. Light pollution is as significant an issue as the noise generated by the various aspects of the Pronghorn H2 Project.

Economic Concerns

Economic arguments also play a role in the opposition to the project. Some stakeholders believe that the financial benefits promised by the project will not materialize as expected. 

There is a good reason for this opinion, as several elected officials with knowledge of these matters have publicly made reference to the shortfall in revenue actually produced by wind projects in Converse County. Often times the shortfall is substantial. Information in the press confirms that this opinion is not limited to Converse County. Albany and Carbon Counties have had the same experience, just to name a few. They caution against potential hidden costs, such as future road maintenance/re-construction, and operational expenses, which could outweigh the anticipated economic gains.  Upfront mitigation estimates, “guesses” crystal balled 35 years out favor only the developer. Any shortfall in funding will be burdened on the taxpayers. Of prime concern is the potential strain on emergency services, primarily local fire departments and emergency service resources should an accident happen, thus risking harm to employees and residents of adjacent properties.  The development of this project will require a substantial capacity upgrade to the emergency services of the Town of Glenrock and Converse County. Furthermore, there is skepticism regarding the long-term viability and profitability of the entire project, with some suggesting that the investment may be ill conceived. Pronghorn has highlighted their plan to refine Hydrogen and mix with Carbon Dioxide to create aviation fuel. Of concern about the project’s viability is the high cost of Green Hydrogen production, thus making the creation of aviation fuel much more expensive and less marketable than conventionally produced aviation fuel. Therefore, a paramount concern for all aspects of the project (wind, solar and hydrogen) is adequate decommissioning funds should the project fail or even if it succeeds to its suggested 35-year useful life. 

The potential that project viability rests on Pronghorn H2, LLC leveraging significant taxpayer funded federal incentives, including the Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (up to $3/kg or 30% ITC), Section 48 ITC for wind, solar, and electrolyzers (30%), and Section 30C for refueling infrastructure (30% up to $100,000 per item). The project may also qualify for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub taxpayer based funding and Advanced Energy Project Credits. In Wyoming, WEA grants (e.g., Energy Matching Funds) and favorable state land leases provide additional support. Always highlighted by developers of renewable energy projects is the positive economic contribution their construction and operation make to the local jurisdiction. This project is unique in that the power generated from solar and wind development will be used internally to create hydrogen thus potentially by-passing conventional electrical energy taxation. Should conditions change and any of this projects electricity generation actually reach the grid, tax revenue would be delayed as Wind Tax Revenue is under moratorium for three years after project operation commences. True economic evaluation must analyze the financial impacts to State, County and Local jurisdictions, landowners, residents and taxpayers, both negative and positive including difficult to monetize issues such as the impacts to recreation, tourism, natural beauty and local heritage. Most importantly, the negative impact on current and future property values. Too many times, these projects are sold as overwhelming revenue generators for the jurisdictions involved only to find out they are just the next “Dollar Syndrome” project (We have a dollar more today than yesterday!)now coming to a piece of State Land near you!

Property Value

The obvious impact on property values is a major concern for local residents. The establishment of this project will lead to a depreciation of property values in the region. Homeowners worry that the massive footprint of wind turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen refinery and associated buildings and tanks will make their properties less attractive to potential buyers, thereby affecting their investments and economic stability. Recent studies indicate that a reduction in value for properties near, in view of or within ear shot of wind turbines, solar farms and noisy Green Hydrogen refineries is likely. When situated near, in view of or within ear shot of all threeindustrial facilities, property value reduction is a certainty. Some of our elected officials have acknowledged this inevitable devaluation of surrounding properties but offer no solution except to rely on your county assessor should your property value be negatively impacted. These impacts are real and substantial. Studies document property value reduction of at least 11%, with some showing reductions up to 40%. Pronghorn H2 will impact on the value of nearly a hundred non-participating properties, of all types currently valued at nearly $100,000,000.00. Needless to say, a fair analysis of this impact is a necessity.

Interference with Communications

Wind turbines can interfere with over-the-air television signals, especially in areas where such signals are weak. The large rotating blades of turbines act as physical barriers that can scatter, reflect, or diffract radio waves. This scattering can cause signal disruption, leading to pixelation, freezing, or the complete loss of television channels. In addition to affecting television reception, wind turbines may also impact other forms of communication signals. The physical presence of turbines can create "shadow zones," in mobile phone coverage, where signals are weaker or completely blocked. This is especially problematic in rural areas, where mobile network infrastructure is already limited. AM and FM radio signals can experience distortion due to the reflective surfaces of turbine blades. Even direct-to-home satellite services can experience signal degradation due to the alignment of turbines and satellite dishes. Interference with communication signals used by emergency services can pose critical risks, particularly during emergencies when unimpeded communication is vital. Readily available case studies have documented the degradation of television, radio, mobile telephone, satellite and emergency services communications because of wind turbine placement.

Community Division 

The Pronghorn H2 Project has also created division within the community. The controversy surrounding the project has led to tension among residents. The debate over the project has forced residents to “take sides” regarding the project’s viability, safety, and impacts on the residents and the community. The lack of transparency and the speed in which some elected officials “buy-in” to these projects’ fuels distrust in the project and the elected officials and fuels community division. Going forward it is paramount that the Pronghorn H2 developers, elected officials on all levels, agency personnel, landowners, residents and taxpayers have open and transparent discussions regarding the impact of this project on our community.

Conclusion

In summary, the opposition to the Pronghorn H2 Hydrogen Project is multifaceted, encompassing environmental issues, visual impacts, noise and light pollution, water use, safety concerns, economic analysis, property values, and community concerns. A complete and fair analysis of the project will show that the risk presented by negative impacts far outweigh the benefits, calling for a thorough re-assessment of its feasibility and consequences.