** Wyoming taxpayers lose millions from mineral tax delinquencies
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Monday, December 16, 2019
A coal mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin: the source of many delinquent taxes | BLM Wyoming ([link removed])
Recent data show that oil, gas, and coal companies throughout Wyoming have continually failed to pay production taxes on time ([link removed]) . In the past decade, companies failed to pay $97.7 million on time. Over that same period, delinquency increased by over 1,700%, becoming the new industry norm.
Delinquency is particularly common for coal companies. In a state where a failing coal economy ([link removed]) is already hitting communities hard, tax delinquencies cause local governments to work under-budget and under-prepared. As Wyoming communities offer reduced tax payment plans ([link removed]) to coal mines in order to try and keep the industry afloat, less money goes toward statewide education and fundamental public services.
Tax delinquencies are just another way that mineral extraction companies aren't giving taxpayers their fair share. Now taxpayers are getting ripped off by tax delinquencies, incredibly low bonding rates for oil and gas wells that leave taxpayers on the hook for up to 99% of damages ([link removed]) , extremely outdated federal royalty rates ([link removed]) , and a leasing process that allows extraction companies to lease land for as little as $1.50 an acre ([link removed]) . It all points to a desperate need to re-envision mineral extraction industry regulations.
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Quick hits
** BLM to study environmental impact of wells that may threaten iconic Colorado hot springs
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The Post Independent ([link removed]) | Aspen Public Radio ([link removed])
** BLM analysis highlights climate price of Arctic drilling
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Wyoming taxpayers lose millions from mineral tax delinquencies
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** Trump administration allows mine to write own environmental report
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Associated Press ([link removed])
** Opponents warn of staff exodus and brain drain as US breaks up lands bureau
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Associated Press ([link removed])
** Children of coal miners learn solar installation skills
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High Country News ([link removed])
** Meet the public lands extremists aligned with BLM acting director Pendley
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Opinion: Time to fix outdated oil and gas policies so taxpayers don’t pay 99% of damages
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The Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
Quote of the day
I think, frankly, it’s going to cripple the bureau for a long time... it will result in decisions that are more political than they are resource-based."
—Henri Bisson, Former BLM deputy director
On the BLM relocation
Associated Press ([link removed])
Picture this
** @I ([link removed]) nterior ([link removed])
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Life is better with each otter! What a great time of year to connect with those you love. Photo of two otters
@YellowstoneNPS ([link removed]) courtesy of Trent Sizemore (@trentsizemore ([link removed]) ) #FindYourPark ([link removed])
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