State of Wyoming Archives: on Energy & Oil
Bill Dahlin:
I love coal and the energy sector
Wyoming has been long dependent on our natural resources, coal, oil, gas, and trona. I am a businessman, part of my portfolio consists of buying coal, arranging and paying for rail freight to a destination in Crookston, MN where we installed a coal
transload facility, thereby giving us the capability to market and sell coal in that region. The business is as strong today as it was when we developed that business almost 3 years ago. I love coal and the energy sector.
Source: 2018 Wyoming gubernatorial website DahlinForGovernor.com
Sep 18, 2018
Chris Rothfuss:
Explore carbon engineering; adapt infrastructure after coal
Legislative leaders agreed that a strategy to diversify Wyoming's economy needs to include both opportunities within the renewable energy industry as well as legacy fossil fuel and minerals industries. Wyoming should continue to explore carbon capture
technology, Governor Mark Gordon said in his State of the State address.Senate Minority Floor Leader Chris Rothfuss agreed that Wyoming should continue to explore what he called "carbon engineering," another term for technology which aims to reduce
carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Rothfuss said it is also important that Wyoming find ways to adapt and remain a player in the energy infrastructure given that "our electrical grid isn't going away even if we move away from coal."
He said it is
important for Wyoming "to remain a leader in electrical power production--one of the few sectors that does make money in the state." Rothfuss said that should also include renewable energy sources.
Source: Oil City News on 2022 Wyoming Gubernatorial race
Jan 18, 2021
Chris Rothfuss:
Encourage sale of coal-fired power plants to keep in use
SF159: This bill provides that the rates charged by a utility shall not include recovery of costs associated with new facilities built to replace retired coal fired electric generating facilities unless the utility made a good faith effort to sell the
facility to another person prior to its retirement.Utility Dive e-zine summary:Wyoming lawmakers passed a bill to encourage the sale of coal-fired power plants in a bid to extend their lives amid an industrywide trend of retirements.
Senate File 159 would direct utilities to attempt to find new buyers for coal plants before retiring them and proposing replacement generation. It passed both legislative chambers by wide margins.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 50-8-2 on Feb/26/19; Passed Senate 27-0-3 on Feb/25/19; State Sen. Chris Rothfuss voted YES; Signed by Governor Mark Gordon on Mar/8/19
Source: BetterWyoming blog on Wyoming voting records SF159
Feb 25, 2019
Dave Freudenthal:
We have doubled the take-away capacity of natural gas
Since 2003, we have more than doubled the take-away capacity of natural gas out of this state. So while you have had a decline in price, it has been offset by the fact that you have had an increase in volume relative to previous declines in this state,
and that makes a significant difference. The efforts of the Pipeline Authority and those who supported it also had a bearing. When other states say Wyoming is so lucky, I don't think it is so much luck. Hard work makes it look like luck.
Source: Wyoming 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2010
Gary Trauner:
Develop clean energy sources as an essential goal
I believe the search for sustainable energy independence is the issue of our time. It affects our national security, jobs, our economy and our environment, and it must be a cornerstone of our government's policy.
The federal government should actively work with private industry to encourage conservation, efficiency and continued development of a wide-variety of stable and clean energy sources for the future.
Source: 2018 Wyoming Senatorial campaign website TraunerForWY.com
Feb 22, 2018
Gary Trauner:
Diversify into renewables from coal and natural gas
Trauner says the state needs to diversify its economy and energy production by embracing new technology and pursuing renewable energy alongside coal and natural gas production. He also mentioned investment in high quality, stable broadband internet as a
way to encourage new business and manufacturing in the state."People are fed up with blind partisanship," continued Trauner. "They just want to see things get done."
"It takes building bridges, it takes listening and talking to people you
disagree with on a lot of things but may agree with on specific things you can find common ground on," said Trauner.
Trauner says he is "country before party" and believes Sen. Barrasso is more interested in party. "I get comments from people
all the time from all over the political spectrum saying 'I'm kinda tired of seeing him stand behind (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell'" said Trauner. "We need to get back to doing what is good for everybody, not just good for your party."
Source: Oil City News on 2018 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 12, 2018
Jim Geringer:
Expand energy infrastructure & exploration
The lesson [of this year's energy crises] is that energy today isn't just dependent upon OPEC. We have a shortage of infrastructure, such as pipelines to carry oil and gas, transmission lines to carry electricity, and refineries to process raw petroleum.
We have limits on exploration for new energy production and an alarming shortage of electrical generation capacity. The current crisis in California is in large part due to past actions by California that discouraged new natural gas pipelines into the
state and California's reluctance to build new generation capacity. Wyoming is in a position to benefit greatly from the current energy crisis, either with natural gas or with coal. The dramatic rise in state revenues is almost entirely due to the
extraordinary demand for natural gas. We can continue to supply what the market seems to demand. We could and should encourage added generation capacity in Wyoming and push for even cleaner coal technology above Wyoming's already high standards.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Wyoming Legislature
Jan 10, 2001
Liz Cheney:
What should be done about climate change? Nothing!
Liz Cheney did not hesitate when asked what the Republican Party should do to address climate change. "Nothing," she immediately replied.Cheney said she was significantly more concerned with the expansion of the "bureaucratic" state, pointing to
President Barack Obama's executive actions to regulate greenhouse gas emissions--which contribute to global warming--and Democrats' so-called "war on coal."
Cheney also criticized those who are concerned about climate change last year during her
failed primary bid against Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY). In June, she told conservative host Sean Hannity that "the science is just simply bogus, you know, we know that temperatures have been stable for the last 15 years."
While in office, Dick Cheney fought hard against any efforts to take global warming seriously as well. He blocked testimony on the issue and worked to undercut environmental rules for the benefit of businesses.
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 Wyoming Senate race
Jul 14, 2014
Mark Gordon:
Protect energy sources with eye on future technologies
Wyoming's natural resources are second to none. Be it oil, gas, coal, uranium or wind. And there are no greater stewards of these energy and natural resources than the people of WY. Mark will ensure responsible development of our state's natural
resources while protecting open space and access to public lands. He will work to position Wyoming as the leader in advanced energy technologies including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and new carbon-to-product markets.
Source: 2018 Wyoming gubernatorial website GordonForWyoming.com
Sep 18, 2018
Mark Gordon:
Coal for decades to come, so let's improve usage
Energy must continue to be one of the pillars of our economy. In 2018, Wyoming hit a record for permit applications to drill for oil and gas. I want to take just a moment to talk about coal. Coal continues to power this country and,
despite market trends and politics, it will remain an essential part of America's energy portfolio for decades to come.
[Improved] technologies, when paired with Powder River Basin coal, can reduce the overall carbon emitted to the atmosphere.
That is progress that should be a gut cinch for those advocating to control carbon emissions.
There are promising new uses of coal that can provide advanced building materials and innovative new products. Some of these are being developed at UW and others by private industry.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Wyoming legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Mark Gordon:
Make Wyoming a leader in advancing carbon sequestration
Wyoming is the nation's leader in advancing carbon sequestration and has launched the Integrated Test Center which is working on turning a byproduct like carbon dioxide into a valuable and marketable product.
Here in Wyoming, we will continue to seek innovative solutions that support coal, address climate change, and grow our economy.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Wyoming legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Mark Gordon:
Others vilify fossil fuels--not on my watch!
By now Wyoming citizens know too well how a myopic national political attitude to vilify fossil fuels has affected our energy industry. Twenty-eight states have enacted either renewable energy standards or low-carbon policies.
These are targeted at the industries that have helped raise our standard of living, built our schools, funded public infrastructure, and made us the premier economy in the world. We produce energy better, more safely, and with more
attention to the environment than anywhere else on the planet, and yet our industries are still discriminated against, maligned, and decried as dead. Well, not on my watch! Know this --
Wyoming will always advocate for our industries, whether it be to protect against unconstitutional restraint of trade, or in their endeavors to deliver cleaner, more dependable, more affordable, and safer energy to our nation.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
Mark Gordon:
Lower severance taxes on natural gas industry
The problem we face is not burning coal. The problem is that we have not recognized or seized the opportunities to burn it cleaner, to use its byproducts more beneficially, or to remember its role as our country's most reliable source of electricity for
over a hundred years. We in Wyoming are leading the way.It is our duty to verify that the proposed early closures of coal-burning units are truly warranted and economical, and not just philosophical or political. Wyoming genuinely welcomes
renewable resources like wind and solar. However, we will not recklessly abandon our most abundant and reliable energy source just because it is unpopular with some people.
I note with particular urgency the state of our natural gas industry.
Today, only two rigs are drilling for natural gas in Wyoming. That is the lowest number in the last 20 years. I seek the Legislature's support in crafting a temporary, price-based reduction in severance taxes for those most in need.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
Mark Gordon:
Encourage sale of coal-fired power plants to keep in use
SF159: This bill provides that the rates charged by a utility shall not include recovery of costs associated with new facilities built to replace retired coal fired electric generating facilities unless the utility made a good faith effort to sell the
facility to another person prior to its retirement.Utility Dive e-zine summary:Wyoming lawmakers passed a bill to encourage the sale of coal-fired power plants in a bid to extend their lives amid an industrywide trend of retirements.
Senate File 159 would direct utilities to attempt to find new buyers for coal plants before retiring them and proposing replacement generation. It passed both legislative chambers by wide margins.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 50-8-2 on Feb/26/19; Passed Senate 27-0-3 on Feb/25/19; Signed by Governor Mark Gordon on Mar/8/19
Source: BetterWyoming blog on Wyoming voting records SF159
Mar 8, 2019
Mark Gordon:
Crazed pursuit of 100% green energy will cripple the nation
Wyoming has long recognized the need for a broad energy portfolio that is reliable in reality, and not just on paper. The energy and environmental policies of Washington, D.C. have changed; radically changed. This crazed pursuit of 100% "green"
energy ignores the urgency of finding better ways to capture, use, and sequester carbon. It fantasizes that crippling our own nation is somehow good for our world. Nothing could be more off the mark.
Wyoming is embracing solar and wind development. Both are emerging and important parts of Wyoming's total energy portfolio. But, we are not fooled by false promises either. We want to see what can be done. Our long history of working with coal, oil
and natural gas, and regulating its related impacts to protect and enhance other natural resources, such as wildlife, is well established. Wind and solar development must be held to the same standards.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Wyoming legislature
Mar 2, 2021
Mark Gordon:
Coal will help make Wyoming net negative in CO2 emissions
I will not waiver in my efforts to protect our industries; particularly, our coal industry. Paradoxically, it is the very industry which offers the best chance and most efficient way to remove C02 from our atmosphere. We can provide the means necessary
to make C02 capture a reality in Wyoming and preserve one of our most important industries. Many states talk about the importance of net zero carbon emissions. But, today, I challenge you to join me in making Wyoming net negative in C02 emissions.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Wyoming legislature
Mar 2, 2021
Mark Gordon:
Needn't choose between fossil fuels or new types of energy
The actions of the Biden Administration regarding public lands and energy, are deeply flawed and clearly miss the mark. Stopping the exploration and production of federal oil, gas and coal means that our state bears a disproportionate burden of reduced
royalties, reduced severance taxes, and reduced economic benefit. These actions won't reduce global warming or benefit consumers. Instead it has caused inflation to soar. Mr. Biden, tear up your energy policy! Let Wyoming power the country!
Give us the tools and the chance to make this nation energy independent again. Wyoming has it all: the best wind, solar, gas, coal, nuclear and the ability to store 50 years' worth of our nation's total carbon emissions. Innovation, not regulation
is our way forward to give our nation the energy it requires and simultaneously solve the world's climate concerns. We do not need to choose between fossil fuels or new types of energy. We need an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Wyoming legislature
Feb 14, 2022
Mary Throne:
Multiple sources for energy; not an "either or" situation
When asked whether they preferred carbon-based or renewable energy, [Throne's opponents] Wilde and Casner each said they were in favor of renewable sources. "Fossil fuels--they're going to be leaving us," said Wilde.
However, Throne stressed that there was no need for it to be an "either or" situation. The energy attorney said she has represented oil, gas, coal and wind companies and believed the state must support all types of energy industries.
Source: KPVI 6-News on 2018 Wyoming Gubernatorial race
Aug 1, 2018
Matt Mead:
Export wind energy, build wind turbines here
To create jobs, and to grow and diversify our economy, we should build on Wyoming's natural advantages--our energy, ag, tourism, and great workforce. We should not just extract and export our energy, we should look for value-added projects that use
some of our energy here. For example, our superb wind resources partner well with natural gas-fired turbines which fill out the energy stream during lulls in the wind. We should develop both wind and gas-fired turbine projects, where possible.
I support current efforts for those working on such projects.
And, why not manufacture wind turbine components here, too? Let's build the items needed to develop our wind resources right here in Wyoming. This is doable. Such manufacturers are looking a
Wyoming now, and I am a supporter. This is an example of how we build on Wyoming's natural advantages to diversify our economy and create jobs.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Matt Mead:
Skeptical about man-made global warming; support oil & gas
We must continue to support all our extractive industries. With respect to our coal and our oil and gas industries, I support research and development of carbon capture and sequestration technology. I am skeptical about man-made global warming without
more and better science; but I am not skeptical about growing demand by our energy customers for cleaner coal and gas, and I am not skeptical about our oil industry's need for carbon injection technology for enhanced oil recovery.
Improved technologies provide a benefit to companies and help them remain profitable.
Wyoming is on the cutting edge of many technologies. We have laws in place and projects underway. Technology will help keep our energy industry competitive.
I would look favorably on legislation sent my way to foster science and commercial applications--remembering that advances in energy technology will only occur if energy companies remain profitable.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Matt Mead:
$10M prize for making a useful product from captured CO2
We not only want to be the energy state in terms of production, we want to be the energy state in terms of innovation, and we can be. The carbon initiative looks at building an industry around CO2. This means investing in advanced energy technologies
and innovation. Integrated Test Center under construction now at the Dry Fork Station in Gillette is part of this effort. The relationships we fostered with XPrize has now put together a $10 million prize for the team that can figure
out to how to capture that CO2 but not only capture it but use it to make it a useful product. This has not only brought attention in Wyoming to how we help further coal, but around the country.
It's very important to have that innovation here in Wyoming. An industrial park project for value-added energy products, that is uses beyond extraction, is also a part of the carbon initiative.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Jan 11, 2017
Merav Ben-David:
Green energy can fuel Wyoming's future with good jobs
Wyoming has so much more to offer than coal, oil and gas. Think of the new technologies developed to curb the rise in greenhouse gasses. Consider all the components required to build and operate electric trucks and hydrogen-cell vehicles,
or the expertise that will be needed to maintain caravans of self-driving trucks on our highways. Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, material science, and integrative planning can fuel the future of Wyoming.
Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com
Oct 10, 2020
Tim Chesnut:
Promote increased use of alternative fuels
Chestnut indicated support of the following principles regarding energy & environment:- Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
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Support funding for open space preservation.
Source: Wyoming 2004 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Yana Ludwig:
See the realities of climate disruption unflinchingly
Living in a "fossil fuel state"--that currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for our economic stability--we need people in DC who will both see the realities of climate disruption unflinchingly AND craft policy that ensures people's economic needs are
met. I believe, like a handful of others currently in office, that economic rights are human rights.We must adopt the stance that we are all in this together and work for a collective solution to our economic woes, human rights crisis and climate
crisis as one package.
I also believe firmly that blunting big corporations' power and empowering local communities to develop their own locally-appropriate economic answers is a critical cornerstone to the way forward for Wyoming and the US.
We need to pass and flesh out the Green New Deal, with special attention on fossil fuel states making the transition in a positive way for our communities, and the bipartisan Carbon Fee and Dividend bill.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection on 2020 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Mark Gordon:
It is undeniable that coal remains a vital fuel source
Wyoming has eight coal-fired plants, powering about 7.5 million homes. Wyoming coal provides reliable electricity to almost a quarter of all US households. It is undeniable that coal remains a vital fuel source for our country.
But in the minds of Washington, DC bureaucrats all fossil fuels should go extinct. The good news is that we are making progress with carbon capture technology. And remember, carbon capture is not just for coal.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wyoming legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Reid Rasner:
Cut stifling regulations; Drill Baby Drill
It is time to Energize America's Future! As your next United States Senator, my priority is clear: revitalize our energy sector, cut stifling regulations, and pave the way to true energy independence. It's time for
American First Policies to be put in place that will last for generations to come. Let's empower innovation, create jobs, strengthen our nation's security, and Drill Baby Drill.
Source: 2024 Wyoming Senate campaign website ReidRasner.com
Feb 12, 2024
Reid Rasner:
We cannot afford to lose our gas or coal industry right now
[On fossil fuels]:"Energy will lead us out of this economic crisis. This will balance the budget. Energy and manufacturing will get us out of this." Rasner contended that a hasty transition from Wyoming's legacy industries to green energy sources is
premature. "We're putting the cart before the horse here and shutting down the coal mines early we cannot afford to lose our gas or coal industry in Wyoming right now," Rasner said. "I believe we need to elect the right leaders right now."
Source: The Lusk Herald on 2024 Wyoming Senate race
Jan 12, 2024
Scott Morrow:
Stop spending billions to support filthy, killer energy
Q: Do you support the federal government allowing permits for drilling on public lands?A: No. We already budget at the federal level hundreds of billions of dollars to support filthy, killer energy. In 2022, there were a total of
2,852 oil and gas drilling permits approved on federal lands The current administration has expanded those numbers especially in the gulf of Mexico. Remember, these lands are yours, not big oils.
Source: 2024 Wyoming Senate race: PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2024
Mark Gordon:
Our all-of-the-above policy is essential to our economy
During four years of aggressive efforts from the Biden Administration to impede the progress of our core energy industries, Wyoming held her own. We fought overreaching policies, radical programs and wrong-headed initiatives. Our coal, oil, gas, trona,
and other mining industries have weathered the worst. Wyoming produces 12 times more energy than we use, and out-of-state consumers want more. Our all-of-the-above energy policy is essential to our economy and is good for owners of private property.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Wyoming legislature
Jan 15, 2025
Cynthia Lummis:
Codify Trump's orders for the approval of coal leases
Senate Republicans from fossil-heavy Wyoming on Thursday introduced legislation at the height of "coal week" to codify President Donald Trump's orders aimed at reviving the sagging industry. Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John
Barrasso introduced the "Combating Obstruction Against Leasing (COAL) Act of 2025," which would make permanent an executive order Trump signed in April and require the Interior Department to issue final lease approvals without delay.
Source: E&E Daily, "Coal," on 2026 Wyoming Senate race
Oct 24, 2025
Eric Barlow:
Protect and enhance coal, oil, gas and uranium production
Eric stands with Wyoming's energy workers and the industries that power our state. He supported legislation protecting and enhancing coal, oil, gas and uranium production and uses, better allowing Wyoming to decide our energy future.
Eric backs innovation on Wyoming's terms. He voted to streamline permitting processes to ensure Wyoming values and community interests were heard and respected, rather than by distant federal bureaucracies.
Source: 2026 Wyoming Gubernatorial campaign website BarlowForWyo.com
Feb 9, 2026
Megan Degenfelder:
I will aggressively support fossil-fuel development
As Governor, I will - Aggressively support fossil-fuel development
- Stand up to federal overreach
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Build a real statewide energy strategy across state agencies & research institutions
- Reject projects that rely on rate-payer funded subsidies
- Make alternative energy sources compete with fossil-fuels on a level playing field
Source: 2026 Wyoming Governor campaign site MeganDegenfelder.com
Feb 10, 2026
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026