Converse-Ations Episode - Mike Stephens and Joe Benedetta

🎙️ Conversations with John – Pronghorn H2 Project Deep Dive

John and Kim sit down with Mike Stephens and Joe Benedetta to unpack the growing controversy around the proposed Pronghorn H2 Project in Converse County.

From the very beginning, the project raised red flags. Pronghorn presented a conceptual map to county commissioners last March showing:

• Wind turbines on state and private land
• A hydrogen plant near the river
• Solar panels in the same corridor

But according to Mike and Joe, there was little to no public input before the State Land Board voted 4–1 to approve wind leases in April (Chuck Gray voted no).

⚖️ The Lawsuit & Ruling

Mike, whose family ranch borders the proposed lease area, filed an appeal challenging the Land Board’s decision.

Key points from the legal battle:

• The state argued Mike had no standing.
• Judge Peasley ruled in December that Mike did have standing because he would be directly affected.
• The judge also ruled the leases were null and void because the lease language required connection to the grid, and this project’s wind/solar power would not serve Wyoming ratepayers — it would exclusively power the hydrogen facility.

The Wyoming Attorney General is appealing that ruling to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Timeline? Possibly 8 months to over a year.

🏛 Public Response

A public meeting in Douglas drew hundreds of attendees in person and on Zoom. Speaker after speaker voiced opposition.

Petition numbers shared during the episode:

• 2,500+ signatures
• 98% Wyoming residents
• 75% from Converse County
• Roughly 89% of Glenrock precinct voters statistically represented in signatures

According to Mike and Joe, opposition locally is roughly 90–10 against the project.

🌎 Key Concerns Raised

Water Usage

Hydrogen production uses significant water. Concerns include:

• Where water will be sourced
• What happens to treated water
• Aquifer impacts
• River system implications

Wildlife & Habitat

• Critical winter habitat for deer and antelope
• Sage grouse executive order concerns
• Potential shadow impacts from 700-foot turbines
• Possible loss of hunting access on state land

Property Values

Large industrial wind turbines near residential and ranch property could impact long-term property values.

Economic Claims

Mike and Joe argue:

• Job numbers are overstated
• Construction jobs are temporary
• Long-term local employment may be minimal
• Wind tax revenue distribution disadvantages counties like Converse

They emphasize they are not anti-industry, but believe projects must be transparent, economically sound, and appropriate for location.

🔎 Transparency & Government Process

A major theme of the episode is transparency. The guests argue:

• Public participation is required, not optional.
• Decisions were made with limited public input.
• County commissioners may have more authority than previously acknowledged.
• Citizens must stay engaged and informed.

🌐 Learn More

For research, documents, updates, and contact information for elected officials:

Website:
👉 https://againstpronghornh2project.com

You can also search “Against Pronghorn” and it will be the first result.

The site includes:

• Research sources and citations
• Meeting timelines
• Petition access
• Contact information for state and county officials
• A comment section to ask questions

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