The new law provides the go-ahead and funding for the state to sue other states with policies that draw energy away from Wyoming sourced coal.
John,
As states across the country implement measures to boost renewable energy programs, Wyoming is also taking a step: backward.
Wyoming governor Mark Gordon signed into law a bill creating a $1.2 million litigation fund designed to protect the state’s flagging coal industry by allowing them to sue other states for their clean energy efforts.
The new law provides the go-ahead and funding for the state to sue other states with policies that draw energy away from Wyoming sourced coal. This effort comes as numerous states, including some of Wyoming's neighbors, work to increase their use of renewable energy resources.
Wyoming coal production currently accounts for approximately 40% of the nation’s total. However, this is declining as utilities switch to gas and renewables, which is cheaper to burn and generate electricity. With solar and wind power on the rise, coal’s share of the American power market is now less than 20%.
In 2020, Wyoming and Montana asked the Supreme Court to overturn a decision by Washington state to deny a permit to build a coal export dock on the majestic Columbia River.
While the Supreme Court has not yet indicated if it will take the case, the new legal fund approved by Governor Gordon could be used to cover costs involved with any litigation in the matter.
The fund is also paying $250,000 a year to an industry non-profit front organization, the Energy Policy Network, to contest plans in other states to shut down coal-fired power.
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