Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed optimism about the state’s energy sector during his State of the State address, suggesting a rebound for fossil fuel industries after what he described as four challenging years under the Biden administration.
Speaking to the 68th Wyoming Legislature in Cheyenne, Gordon emphasized that Wyoming’s coal, oil, and natural gas sectors had “weathered the worst” and were poised for growth under the incoming Trump administration.
Reflecting on a recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Gordon noted a supportive stance from the federal government.
“The president told me, ‘Anything you need, Mark.’ That’s something we have not heard for four years,” he said, adding that Wyoming is “ready to drill, to mine, to shovel, and to get this country back on track.”
The remarks were met with applause, highlighting legislative support for Gordon’s vision, albeit with some challenges from far-right lawmakers on specific energy policies.
Gordon championed an “all-of-the-above” energy approach but acknowledged ongoing tensions with the Freedom Caucus over carbon reduction initiatives. While both camps blame federal policies for impeding fossil fuel industries, the Freedom Caucus opposes mandates for carbon capture and storage technologies, viewing them as concessions to climate change narratives.
A notable point of contention is Senate File 92, which proposes prohibiting the state from pursuing carbon reduction targets. The bill reflects the Freedom Caucus’s resistance to Gordon’s pragmatic strategy of incorporating low-carbon technologies to ensure Wyoming’s commodities remain marketable. These divisions threaten to upend previous legislative efforts supporting carbon capture and sequestration (CCUS), a cornerstone of Gordon’s energy policy.
Since 2019, Wyoming has passed multiple bills promoting CCUS, with seven becoming law. However, SF 92 could reverse mandates on coal plant retrofits and risk Wyoming’s influence over federal carbon sequestration permitting processes. Despite these differences, Gordon expressed hope for continued collaboration.
Gordon highlighted Wyoming’s legal battles against federal policies affecting coal and natural gas, requesting $3.5 million to replenish the state’s litigation fund. He also proposed adding attorneys to the Attorney General’s office to support these efforts.
In his broader budget request, Gordon sought $692 million, focusing on infrastructure, education, and disaster recovery. Among the key proposals were:
- $130 million to address wildfire recovery and prevention following a historic fire season in 2024.
- $10.5 million to expand the state’s oversubscribed property tax relief program.
- $66.3 million to support K-12 education funding adjustments.
Gordon expressed confidence in Wyoming’s resilience and potential for economic recovery. He called on legislators to avoid “short-sighted” budget cuts and instead focus on long-term investments that balance quality and sustainability.
“We have serious responsibilities that require us to work together to serve those who have entrusted us with our positions,” Gordon said.
The governor urged collaboration on energy, infrastructure, and public services.
The Sheridan Press, Bigfoot99, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, and Billings Gazette contributed to this report.
