Should Wyoming become the nation’s dumping ground for radioactive waste? HB16, a bill being considered by state lawmakers, would open the door for a high-level nuclear waste storage facility within state boundaries. Storing this waste comes with risks to Wyoming’s environment, public health, and economy — which is why we’re tracking this bill closely. Read […]
FIELD NOTES
A toxic legacy: When “temporary” becomes permanent
I grew up hearing stories. Not just bedtime stories, but also stories shared around the dinner table, passed down from my family. These are tales of mutated animals — creatures with extra legs or two heads. They told us about how the land had been taken, the water contaminated, and how a sickness struck the […]
Legislative Lowdown: Wyoming’s 68th Legislature begins this week!
And … we’re off! The 2025 Wyoming Legislature kicks off this week, ushering in a jam-packed two months of debate, amendments, and votes on hundreds of bills impacting all aspects of life in Wyoming. Many of these bills concern our lands, waters, wildlife, and climate. We’ll be following the action closely and keeping you updated […]
BREAKING: Supreme Court rejects Utah’s land grab suit
Press Release | January 13, 2025 (Lander, Wyoming) – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) rejected the State of Utah’s lawsuit that argued for the disposal of 18.5 million acres of public land in Utah. The case could have paved the way for the disposal of all public lands in the United […]
Why we’re concerned about nuclear waste storage in Wyoming: A deeper dive
When the 2025 General Session kicks off next week, the debate over nuclear waste storage is set to become a hot (dare we say radioactive?) topic. In preparation, we wanted to share the latest information about the current proposal to store the country’s nuclear waste in Wyoming — and why we plan to oppose it. […]
INVITING NUCLEAR WASTE RISKS FEDERAL OVERREACH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HARM
Some bad ideas refuse to die — and the recent legislative push to make Wyoming a temporary location for the nation’s high-level radioactive waste is definitely one of them. Over the last three decades, the Wyoming Legislature has discussed rolling out the red carpet for nuclear waste several times. Now, that discussion promises to rear […]
Inside the new plan for Greater sage-grouse
This month, the Bureau of Management unveiled its new plan for Greater sage-grouse. With the plan comes a ray of hope — both for the imperiled bird and the ever-diminishing sagebrush steppe ecosystem it depends on. Since the BLM manages more sage-grouse habitat than any other entity, actions taken on these public lands will have […]
November is Native American Heritage Month
At the Wyoming Outdoor Council, we recognize that Native Americans’ enduring stewardship of Wyoming’s lands, waters, and wildlife is essential for lasting conservation. Each November, Native American Heritage Month provides extra cause to honor, celebrate, and amplify the contributions of Native Americans. Below, Sandy Whitehair, WOC’s Tribal conservation director, shares her perspective on this special […]
Q&A: What’s going on with nuclear waste storage and mining permit exemptions?
Lawmakers from around the state won’t flock to Cheyenne for the 2025 General Session until January. But many of their priorities are set well in advance, shaped during committee meetings during the months between sessions, or the interim. It pays to keep a close eye on interim committee meetings. That’s because when the session begins, […]
Get to know Gabby Yates, WOC’s public lands program manager
From sprawling desertscapes to vast, forested ranges, the public lands that cover more than half of Wyoming are incredibly varied — and wildly important. Public lands support thriving wildlife populations, host incredible opportunities for recreation and solitude, and are home to uncountable cultural resources. Advocating conservation of the extensive and irreplaceable public lands in Wyoming […]