Policy

WyoFile delves into the deepest elements of Wyoming’s public policies, uncovering, exposing and explaining the often unseen forces that shape the state’s people, landscape, wildlife, economy and communities.

Thumbnail image for Debate rages over the impact of federal regulations on drilling, jobs

Debate rages over the impact of federal regulations on drilling, jobs

by Environment & Energy Daily May 15, 2012

Although the U.S. is drilling and producing more oil and natural gas than it has in decades, there are still drilling projects delayed in federal permitting.

Thumbnail image for EPA gives heavily drilled Wyoming area three years to improve

EPA gives heavily drilled Wyoming area three years to improve

by Environment & Energy Daily May 15, 2012

U.S. EPA has determined that southwest Wyoming’s Upper Green River Basin no longer meets federal ground-level ozone pollution standards, a conclusion that could significantly affect two of the nation’s largest …

Thumbnail image for Deer-ly Departed: Revelation of mule deer ‘stop-over’ behavior may alter drilling plans in Bridger Teton Forest

Deer-ly Departed: Revelation of mule deer ‘stop-over’ behavior may alter drilling plans in Bridger Teton Forest

by Geoffrey O'Gara May 8, 2012

Hall Sawyer’s new research report has complicated plans to drill 136 natural gas wells in the Jonah and Pinedale Anticline fields.

Thumbnail image for The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920: The law that changed Wyoming’s economic destiny

The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920: The law that changed Wyoming’s economic destiny

by Samuel Western May 8, 2012

While energy development is arguably central to Wyoming’s economy, it wasn’t always this way.

Thumbnail image for Rare Stake: Can Wyoming help serve world’s hunger for rare earth minerals?

Rare Stake: Can Wyoming help serve world’s hunger for rare earth minerals?

by Allen Best May 1, 2012

A newly opened mine near the city of Sundance raises the prospect of a new industry for Wyoming. The project’s owners believe they’ll have the infrastructure to compete with China.

Thumbnail image for China’s rare earth role

China’s rare earth role

by Allen Best May 1, 2012

Today, China delivers 97 percent of the world’s rare earth elements and uses 60 percent to 70 percent. How it came to monopolize the rare earth supply chain is a …

Thumbnail image for GOP bills seek to speed approval of energy projects

GOP bills seek to speed approval of energy projects

by Environment & Energy Daily April 24, 2012

House Republicans seek to accelerate national energy development. However, their measures are at odds with the oil and gas leasing reforms at the heart of the Obama Administration’s public lands …

Thumbnail image for Wyoming’s AML revenue stream slowing to a trickle

Wyoming’s AML revenue stream slowing to a trickle

by Samuel Western April 17, 2012

Wyoming has been successful in mitigating abandoned coal mine problems, but it continues to receive large amounts of funding from the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund. That money has been spent …

Thumbnail image for Drill Baby Drill? Policy makers ponder the best way out of America’s oil dependency

Drill Baby Drill? Policy makers ponder the best way out of America’s oil dependency

by Allen Best April 17, 2012

Conflicting viewpoints were abound at the Global New Energy Summit in Colorado Springs last week. In the face of America’s oil dependency, some still advocate we drill our way out …

Thumbnail image for Shake-up in alcohol, tobacco and suicide prevention services rankles providers

Shake-up in alcohol, tobacco and suicide prevention services rankles providers

by Dustin Bleizeffer April 10, 2012

A major shake-up is coming in how a federal grant to help prevent suicide and the use of alcohol and tobacco will be administered in Wyoming. Some critics say it …

Thumbnail image for Health on Hold: Lawmakers put the brakes on health insurance exchange effort

Health on Hold: Lawmakers put the brakes on health insurance exchange effort

by Dustin Bleizeffer April 3, 2012

After nearly two years of study and building a wide coalition of stakeholders, Wyoming’s Health Insurance Exchange Steering Committee is temporarily on hold. Some say the suspension is appropriate amid …

Thumbnail image for Wyoming’s fracking chemical disclosure requirements draw lawsuit

Wyoming’s fracking chemical disclosure requirements draw lawsuit

by Environment & Energy Daily April 3, 2012

Wyoming’s public disclosure requirements for hydraulic fracturing chemicals were once hailed by environmentalists as the best in the country. But environmental groups are suing after saying Wyoming’s Oil and Gas …

Thumbnail image for The BLM struggles to get ahead of oil and gas development in the West

The BLM struggles to get ahead of oil and gas development in the West

by High Country News March 20, 2012

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has a new layer of analysis it can use to protect resources before mineral leasing occurs on public lands. Looking at the development in …

Thumbnail image for Expert: Energy standard key to launching carbon sequestration

Expert: Energy standard key to launching carbon sequestration

by Allen Best March 13, 2012

Dr. Sally Benson, director of the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University, argues that a techno-agnostic renewable energy standard is key to launching carbon capture and sequestration efforts …

Thumbnail image for BLM rejects bid for sprawling tract in Powder River Basin

BLM rejects bid for sprawling tract in Powder River Basin

by Environment & Energy Daily March 6, 2012

The Bureau of Land Management rejected a bid yesterday by Peabody Energy Corp. for leasing a major tract for coal mining in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.

Thumbnail image for FERC rejects major Wyo.-Colo. pipeline proposal

FERC rejects major Wyo.-Colo. pipeline proposal

by Environment & Energy Daily February 28, 2012

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week rejected a Colorado entrepreneur’s proposal to pump millions of gallons of fresh water from the Green River Basin in Wyoming to Colorado’s Rocky …

Thumbnail image for 10th Circuit Upholds Ruling in Voting Rights Case Fremont County Officials Face Difficult Decision

10th Circuit Upholds Ruling in Voting Rights Case Fremont County Officials Face Difficult Decision

by Rone Tempest February 24, 2012

A federal appeals court on Wednesday, February 22, affirmed a 2010 U.S. district court decision that found discrimination against Native American voters in Fremont County and ordered the county to …

Thumbnail image for Wyoming’s Permanent Mineral Trust Fund can’t entirely protect the budget from volatile commodity prices

Wyoming’s Permanent Mineral Trust Fund can’t entirely protect the budget from volatile commodity prices

by Samuel Western February 21, 2012

Wyoming’s Permanent Mineral Trust Fund provides a mostly stable stream of revenue to the state’s general fund. Yet state lawmakers are trimming budget plans right now, revealing that even $5.4 …

Thumbnail image for Planners discuss snowmobiles, ‘sound events’ at Yellowstone winter use meetings

Planners discuss snowmobiles, ‘sound events’ at Yellowstone winter use meetings

by Ruffin Prevost February 21, 2012

More than a decade of public debate and court challenges have complicated efforts to complete a long-term winter use plan for Yellowstone National Park. Yet, a final version of the …

Thumbnail image for Two Wyoming towns wither while company asks for $100M to bring about salvation with coal-to-gasoline plant

Two Wyoming towns wither while company asks for $100M to bring about salvation with coal-to-gasoline plant

by Allen Best February 14, 2012

Many residents of the towns of Hanna and Medicine Bow foresee a time when there will be too few people and too thin of an economy to keep going their …

Thumbnail image for Safe Bet? Wyo officials weigh investment in DKRW’s coal-to-liquids proposal

Safe Bet? Wyo officials weigh investment in DKRW’s coal-to-liquids proposal

by Dustin Bleizeffer February 14, 2012

The company seeking to build the nation’s first coal-to-gasoline plant in Wyoming has trimmed its request for taxpayer-backed bonds — allowing them to bypass legislative approval and rely only on …

Thumbnail image for Shoshone drilling project wins BLM approval

Shoshone drilling project wins BLM approval

by Environment & Energy Daily February 7, 2012

The Bureau of Land Management has approved the first drilling project inside northwest Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest in more than 20 years, raising concerns among environmentalists.

Thumbnail image for House panel bars filmmaker from Wyo. pollution hearing

House panel bars filmmaker from Wyo. pollution hearing

by Environment & Energy Daily February 2, 2012

The House Science subcommittee hearing on water contamination in Pavillion, Wyo., took an unusual turn Wed. morning when filmmaker and drilling opponent Josh Fox was handcuffed and led away by …

Thumbnail image for A mom-and-pop oil company prospects for gas in central Wyoming

A mom-and-pop oil company prospects for gas in central Wyoming

by High Country News January 31, 2012

John Wold is one of Wyoming’s most notorious wildcatters. At the age of 95, he still enjoys the thrill and challenge of making new oil and gas discoveries.

Thumbnail image for EPA moving in on state regulation of drilling

EPA moving in on state regulation of drilling

by Environment & Energy Daily January 31, 2012

Several ongoing investigations conducted by EPA are generating friction between the agency and state officials across the country over the management of oil and gas drilling, and hydraulic fracturing in …

Thumbnail image for What EPA really said about Wyo. fracking pollution

What EPA really said about Wyo. fracking pollution

by Environment & Energy Daily January 24, 2012

Environment & Energy reporter Mike Soraghan gives an accurate description of the EPA’s findings, and outlines their implications.

Thumbnail image for Wyoming Billionaire Backs Santorum

Wyoming Billionaire Backs Santorum

by Ben Gose January 21, 2012

Friess has made national headlines in recent weeks thanks to his contributions to a super PAC that supports Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. Friess is the main benefactor of the …

Thumbnail image for Wyoming cautiously reviews insurance exchanges

Wyoming cautiously reviews insurance exchanges

by Emilene Ostlind January 17, 2012

There are approximately 83,000 uninsured people in Wyoming — a situation that puts families at risk of illness, bankruptcy and death — and an insurance exchange could make insurance more …

Thumbnail image for Could methane farming hurt Wyo.’s coal deposits?

Could methane farming hurt Wyo.’s coal deposits?

by Environment & Energy Daily January 17, 2012

While many folks in the Powder River Basin hope that “microbial stimulation” may help prolong coal-bed methane gas production, the coal industry is seeking assurances that the process won’t degrade …

Thumbnail image for Worker advocates slam state for timid response to workplace fatalities

Worker advocates slam state for timid response to workplace fatalities

by Dustin Bleizeffer January 6, 2012

Two worker advocacy groups say that, for 10 years, Wyoming and industry leaders have failed to take the carnage of workplace fatalities seriously, and they’re urging the state to use …

Thumbnail image for California company & Wyo legislator seek to delay well-plugging with hopes that microbes will rebuild production

California company & Wyo legislator seek to delay well-plugging with hopes that microbes will rebuild production

by Dustin Bleizeffer December 20, 2011

The persistent low price of natural gas continues to push coal-bed methane gas operators in the Powder River Basin to the brink of bankruptcy, leaving some 8,000 to 9,000 wells …

Thumbnail image for Wyoming Delegation: Rep. Cynthia Lummis among Richest Members of Congress

Wyoming Delegation: Rep. Cynthia Lummis among Richest Members of Congress

by Gregory Nickerson December 13, 2011

An examination of public records reveals how Cynthia Lummis became one of the richest members of Congress, with a wealth of business holdings throughout Wyoming.

Thumbnail image for Drilling to Energy Independence: Can the West save us from foreign oil imports?

Drilling to Energy Independence: Can the West save us from foreign oil imports?

by Dustin Bleizeffer December 6, 2011

— This story was written in collaboration with the Rural West Initiative at the Bill Lane Center for the American West.
True to the frontier attitude still prevalent here, oil and …

Thumbnail image for Appeals court says Yellowstone grizzlies must remain protected

Appeals court says Yellowstone grizzlies must remain protected

by Environment & Energy Daily December 6, 2011

Reprinted with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. Not for republication by Wyoming media.
A federal appeals court last week upheld a Montana judge’s decision that the federal government must …

Thumbnail image for Landing a Land Transaction

Landing a Land Transaction

by High Country News November 29, 2011

A Wyoming congressional representative is trying to resurrect a federal land sale act to reduce the budget deficit and help the National Park Service end a long quest to capture …

Thumbnail image for The Big Drain: Million pipeline proposal may be on the rocks, but the thirst for Green River water is unquenched

The Big Drain: Million pipeline proposal may be on the rocks, but the thirst for Green River water is unquenched

by Allen Best November 22, 2011

Flaming Gorge Reservoir has capacity to hold 3.5 million acre-feet altogether. That’s a big bucket, exceeded in the Colorado River Basin by only two others: Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, …

Thumbnail image for Water Pipeline Permitting is no Easy Task

Water Pipeline Permitting is no Easy Task

by Allen Best November 22, 2011

Experts say Aaron Million’s pipeline project won’t begin construction any time soon, not before weaving through a wealth of legal obstacles and obtaining permission from a slew of different agencies.

Thumbnail image for Feds attempt to speed complicated process of building power lines

Feds attempt to speed complicated process of building power lines

by High Country News November 22, 2011

The Obama administration announced in October a new attempt to streamline power line permitting among dozens of federal and state agencies.

Thumbnail image for From hay fields to fish flows: Pinedale irrigator first in Wyoming to convert water right for fish

From hay fields to fish flows: Pinedale irrigator first in Wyoming to convert water right for fish

by Anne MacKinnon November 15, 2011

The concept of protecting water to stay flowing in-stream for fish was once fiercely-fought by the agriculture community, but many things have changed over the years that make a conversion …

Thumbnail image for EPA Finds Compound Used in Fracking in Wyoming Aquifer

EPA Finds Compound Used in Fracking in Wyoming Aquifer

by ProPublica November 15, 2011

Reprinted with permission from ProPublica. Not for republication by Wyoming media.
As the country awaits results from a nationwide safety study on the natural gas drilling process of fracking, a separate …

Thumbnail image for Art & Energy: Coal’s reaction to ‘Carbon Sink’ sculpture reveals the power of art — and the essence of education

Art & Energy: Coal’s reaction to ‘Carbon Sink’ sculpture reveals the power of art — and the essence of education

by Jeffrey Lockwood November 8, 2011

When British artist Chris Drury created the “Carbon Sink” sculpture on the University of Wyoming campus earlier this year, it’s message of coal’s spiraling environmental influence triggered some passionate response.

Thumbnail image for Up In Smoke: How much state gas will be flared without taxation?

Up In Smoke: How much state gas will be flared without taxation?

by Dustin Bleizeffer November 8, 2011

The Office of State Lands and Investment’s board is considering extending the amount of time an operator is allowed to flare state-owned minerals before severance taxes are applied.

Thumbnail image for Enjoy Wyoming (at Your Own Risk): Does State law give too much protection to outdoor-recreation providers?

Enjoy Wyoming (at Your Own Risk): Does State law give too much protection to outdoor-recreation providers?

by Ben Gose November 2, 2011

Some critics wonder if the Wyoming Recreation Safety Act’s “inherent risk” doctrine goes too far in protecting against death and injury lawsuits.

Thumbnail image for Approaches to Safety

Approaches to Safety

by Ben Gose November 2, 2011

Few outdoor-recreation organizations have a finer reputation for safety and professionalism than the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Even so, the Lander-based nonprofit notched a sad milestone in September—its 12th …

Thumbnail image for BLM, OSM merger aimed at improving efficiencies, cutting costs

BLM, OSM merger aimed at improving efficiencies, cutting costs

by Environment & Energy Daily November 1, 2011

Ken Salazar signed an order to fold the Office of Surface Mining into the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, sparking criticism that the move could degrade oversight of surface mining.

Thumbnail image for Sagebrush sparrow declines linked to Wyo. drilling fields

Sagebrush sparrow declines linked to Wyo. drilling fields

by Environment & Energy Daily October 18, 2011

A new study suggests that intense oil and natural gas drilling on federal land is wiping out sensitive species of sparrows in southwest Wyoming…

Thumbnail image for BLM to remove 6,000 horses from range, boost contraception

BLM to remove 6,000 horses from range, boost contraception

by Environment & Energy Daily October 11, 2011

The Interior Department over the next six months plans to remove more than 6,000 horses from federal lands and administer birth control to roughly 2,000 more…

Thumbnail image for Rapidly rising temperatures threaten Yellowstone ecosystem

Rapidly rising temperatures threaten Yellowstone ecosystem

by Environment & Energy Daily October 4, 2011

Temperatures in Yellowstone could rise by as much as 9.7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century if global emissions of greenhouse gases are not restrained, according to a …

Thumbnail image for Judge’s sage grouse ruling could stall BLM plans in Wyo., Idaho

Judge’s sage grouse ruling could stall BLM plans in Wyo., Idaho

by Environment & Energy Daily October 4, 2011

Reprinted with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. Not for republication by Wyoming media.
A federal judge in Idaho this week ruled the Interior Department failed to analyze the cumulative …