CHEYENNE — The State Board of Land Commissioners approved two 50-year lease extensions for operating wind farms in Carbon County, but not before Secretary of State Chuck Gray and State Treasurer Curt Meier sparred over the merits of wind energy.

Each project is 640 acres and had been operating under a 25-year lease before the board voted 3-2 Thursday to extend both of them.

Meier, Gov. Mark Gordon, and State Auditor Kristi Racines voted yes.

Gray and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder voted no.

Gray has been a long-time opponent of wind energy, and said he agrees with President Donald Trump that it’s not reliable when compared to other forms of energy like oil and gas. He asserted that pursuing these projects goes against the fiduciary responsibilities of the board.

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