HERE IN WYOMING THE CLIMATE IS CHANGING, AND SO, TOO, ARE THE ENERGY POLICIES, MARKETS, AND ECONOMIC PRIORITIES AROUND US.  

Climate change

As one of our country’s top fossil fuel exporters, Wyoming has a huge greenhouse gas footprint. The Outdoor Council advocates for policies — like improved  “leak detection and repair” of oil and gas facilities and increased emissions monitoring — that will reduce greenhouse gasses and harmful air pollutants that contribute to climate change and health impacts in our communities. Our best available scientific and economic analyses show us that climate change, and the global response to the threats it poses, will have real and tangible impacts on Wyoming’s environment, economy, and way of life. Unless we take the reins to ensure that the right policies are in place to reduce our emissions, expand the market for cleaner energy sources, and provide for a just and fair transition for Wyoming communities, market forces outside of our control will undermine the state’s traditional forms of revenue.

What we need now is leadership, and a path forward that leverages Wyoming’s unique resources and strengths to address the challenges and opportunities climate change presents. Here’s what we’re doing:

SUPPORTING STATEWIDE EFFORTS TOWARD ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

The majority of Wyoming’s state budget — 55 to 65 percent — comes from taxes generated from the production of high carbon fuel sources like coal, natural gas, and oil. Diversifying these revenue sources and finding innovative ways to generate income in a carbon limited economy presents a major challenge that will require policy expertise at many levels. The Outdoor Council is working with stakeholders and policy makers to push these conversations and new ideas  forward to emphasize Wyoming’s strengths, such as its outdoor recreation economy and the potential for appropriately sited renewable energy.

STANDING UP FOR CITIZEN SCIENCE IN WYOMING

The Outdoor Council recognizes how important, and sometimes fundamental, the data collected by citizens, academic research institutions, and other non-governmental groups can be in making regulatory decisions that protect our health and environmental quality — especially in a time of contracting budgets and limited agency resources.

For this reason in March 2020, WOC along with the US EPA protested the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s proposed changes to impose strict requirements on who can collect water quality data used to support regulatory decisions. You can find our comments below.

The department’s new rules would hamstring the potential benefits of citizen science by requiring that regulatory determinations about water quality standards be made only by data collected by government entities or contractors. The new changes also limit data collection by including highly restrictive educational and training requirements.

We asked that the DEQ remove these arbitrary barriers to citizen science and instead focus on developing and communicating a clear process that maintains the ability of trained citizens to play a meaningful role in shaping water quality decisions in the state.

DOING RENEWABLES RIGHT

We believe that responsible renewable energy development will bring many opportunities to Wyoming and help us transition to a low carbon economy. However, all large energy projects have environmental impacts that must be carefully considered. As utilities and markets evolve to favor lower-cost renewable energy, the Outdoor Council is committed to being at the table with state and federal agencies to ensure Wyoming’s cherished wildlife and sensitive habitats are protected through proper siting and planning. We are leading the charge, working with the University of Wyoming, government officials, developers, and other stakeholders across the state to develop recommendations for responsibly siting and permitting the next generation of energy technologies.

FIGHTING FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR

At the small business, local government, and residential level, we are fighting to protect  the state’s net metering policy so residents have access to affordable clean energy options right in their backyard. We are actively working with a coalition of conservation groups, small businesses, and local governments across the state to educate lawmakers about the benefits of rooftop solar and push back efforts to repeal net metering. To learn more about net metering, check out our infographic and other resources below.

GROWING GRASSROOTS CLIMATE ADVOCACY

Most Wyomingites believe in human-caused climate change, but how we talk about climate change, its challenges, and its solutions must also speak to Wyoming values and our unique context. The Outdoor Council is facilitating that conversation around climate change around the state by supporting grassroots initiatives like the Lander Climate Action Network and Citizens for Responsible Energy Development that empower citizens to take action.

aDVOCATING A JUST TRANSITION FOR ENERGY WORKERS & COMMUNITIES

Addressing climate change on Wyoming’s terms means growing the tent of traditional allies to build new partnerships with industry and labor groups to ensure that workers who have spent their careers in Wyoming’s energy industry are not left behind in the low carbon future. WOC is collaborating with labor and workers groups, like the Wyoming AFL-CIO and Utility Workers, in pursuing climate change policies through the lens of a “just transition” for energy workers and communities.

REDUCING WYOMING’S CARBON FOOTPRINT

As one of our country’s top fossil fuel exporters, Wyoming has a huge greenhouse gas footprint. The Outdoor Council advocates for policies — like improved  “leak detection and repair” of oil and gas facilities and increased emissions monitoring — that will reduce greenhouse gasses and harmful air pollutants that contribute to climate change and health impacts in our communities.

COMMENts, Letters, & Other Documents

Feb. 2021 | INFOGRAPHIC
What is net metering?

Dec. 2020 | LETTER
Lander Climate Action Network Recommendations for City Council

Dec. 2020 | ARTICLE, High Country News
Local Climate Efforts Cut Costs and Carbon in Wyoming

Nov. 2020 | REPORT
Wyoming Renewable Energy Siting Stakeholder Assessment

Nov. 2020 | PROCLAMATION

City of Lander Climate Proclamation

Oct. 2020 | COLLABORATIVE

Wyoming Renewable Energy Siting Collaborative Overview

Nov. 2019 | ARTICLE, Casper Star-Tribune

Bill to Overhaul Net Metering Fails After Massive Public Pushback

Sept. 2019 | ARTICLE, Wyofile

Bill Would KIll Residential Solar Critics Say

Sept. 2019 | PRESENTATION
Facts about net metering In Wyoming