U.S. News

Rather than capitulate to out-of-state policies and market forces, the state ought to set an example and outlaw carbon reduction measures altogether — a “bold step forward to lead a balanced, science-based dialogue,” Sen. Cheri Steinmetz (R-Torrington) wrote in a column published by the Cowboy State Daily, announcing Senate File 92, “Make carbon dioxide great again-no net zero.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Freedom Caucus Chairman Emeritus Rep. John Bear, a Republican who represents Gillette, the heart of Wyoming’s coal country. It would declare that “carbon dioxide is not a pollutant and is a beneficial substance,” and codify in Wyoming law that carbon dioxide “not be designated or treated as a pollutant or contaminant.”

Fresh off an electoral win this fall, the Freedom Caucus has taken leadership control of the Legislature as lawmakers prepare for the winter session that begins Tuesday. The Steinmetz-Bear-sponsored bill promises to bring climate change denial to the forefront of Wyoming policymaking once again.

“Despite its essential role in sustaining life, CO2 has been demonized as a pollutant,” Steinmetz wrote in a column recently.

Senate File 92 would declare that “Carbon dioxide is a foundational nutrient necessary for all life on earth,” according to the bill. “Plants need carbon dioxide along with sunlight, water and nutrients to prosper. The more carbon dioxide available for this, the better life can flourish.”

To that end, the bill would repeal state-imposed mandates directing utilities to retrofit aging coal-fired power plants with carbon capture, use and sequestration technologies instead of retiring the facilities. That policy has already tapped Wyoming ratepayers for millions of dollars to comply with the initiative.