Wind developers retain powers

CASPER — Private wind farm developers will retain the same right to eminent domain afforded to other energy projects, after Gov. Mark Gordon blocked an attempt by state lawmakers this winter to bring back a wind-specific land use restriction.

Under current state law, companies building energy generation facilities have the right to cite some infrastructure — including power lines used to carry electricity away from wind turbines — on private property, even if landowners say no.

The Wyoming Legislature barred wind developers, specifically, from using eminent domain in 2010. The moratorium was r...