Wyoming Legislators May Block Federal Clean Power Plan

Via The Wyoming Tribune Eagle:

CHEYENNE (WTE) – State lawmakers are set to consider a proposal that could restrict Wyoming’s ability to comply with new federal environmental regulations.

A legislative committee will meet Friday to consider a bill that would block the state from implementing the Clean Power Plan unless several conditions are met.

The controversial environmental measure, which was announced this August, seeks to reduce carbon emissions nationwide by 32 percent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels.

Wyoming has a goal of cutting the state’s total emissions by 37 to 44 percent – depending on what measurements are used – compared to its 2012 baseline.

States are required to submit an implementation plan to the federal government by next year.

But the proposal would only allow the state to implement the new regulations if the Legislature gives its blessing or a federal court issues a final judgment upholding the legality of the Clean Power Plan.

Supporters say this will ensure the Legislature will have a say on how the efforts to combat climate change are enforced in Wyoming.

But others say it would restrict the governor and other state officials from crafting the plan that best works for the state.

Read more about the proposal and what influential group is backing it in Thursday’s Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

See the article here.