State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz’s proposed Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again bill in Wyoming is a significant shift in the state’s environmental policy. The bill seeks to repeal the 2020 legislation that mandates coal power plants to retrofit with carbon capture, use, and storage technologies.
It also removes low-carbon energy standards in Wyoming and specifically declares that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant.
Steinmetz argues that policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, such as carbon-negative goals and net-zero mandates, could have high economic costs with questionable environmental benefits. She emphasizes that such initiatives could harm Wyoming’s economy and energy security, asserting that CO2, while being a critical part of the carbon cycle, is not a pollutant.
While proponents of the 2020 law, such as Sen. Brian Boner, believe it has helped protect Wyoming’s coal industry, some critics, including Rep. Mike Yin, argue that the bill represents internal political discord without improving everyday lives for residents.
Additionally, concerns about the long-term viability of coal, especially with the rise of renewable energy sources like solar power, are voiced by figures like outgoing Rep. Dan Zwonitzer.
The bill also seeks to provide refunds to customers who paid surcharges for the installation of carbon capture technologies, a measure that could affect five coal plants in the state.
However, Steinmetz’s stance is in stark contrast to broader scientific consensus, as carbon dioxide is generally considered a pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency due to its role in climate change. Despite this, Steinmetz defends CO2 as essential for agriculture and life on Earth.
This proposed legislation marks a significant moment in Wyoming’s energy policy and environmental discourse, balancing economic interests with environmental concerns. The future of coal in Wyoming, along with the potential role of renewable energy, continues to be a key factor in these ongoing debates.