Greeley County approves Bluestem wind project permit with limits and conditions

The Greeley County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 8 approved a Special Use Permit for Bluestem Energy Solutions to build a wind energy project in parts of the county, following a public hearing at which multiple supporters spoke and no opponents testified.

The permit was approved by motion of Commissioner Doug Wrede, seconded by Commissioner Michael Goldfish; the roll-call vote was unanimous. The board attached six explicit conditions: Bluestem must secure all applicable agency approvals before construction begins; the permit authorizes wind-energy development only (no solar); the company and Greeley County must enter a written road‑use and maintenance agreement before county roads are used in construction, maintenance or decommissioning; Bluestem must report twice per year to the county zoning board on project progress; transmission from the project is capped at 115 megawatts; and Bluestem must secure a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) within 30 months of zoning-board approval or the permit will be null and void. The county recorded the motion and the unanimous vote in the minutes.

Supporters who spoke at the hearing included landowners and local residents who described expected local economic benefits and familiarity with the project representatives. County staff and the zoning administrator noted that the permit is conditional on state and federal approvals the company must still obtain. The board’s conditions explicitly require DEQ/agency approvals and a road agreement to protect county infrastructure before construction activity begins.

Next steps: Bluestem must satisfy the listed agency requirements and enter the county road agreement; the company must provide the board proof of a PPA within 30 months or reapply. The county will require the twice‑annual status reports called for in the permit.