Winter 2010

Change on the Horizon

Wyoming in transition 2 43 How the elections could Years affect energy policy 4 Cover photo by Jeff Vanuga Jeff by photo Cover Outdoor Council Established in 1967, the Wyoming Outdoor Council is the state’s oldest statewide conservation organization. Our mission is to protect Wyoming’s environment and Wyoming in T ransition quality of life for future generations. For more information contact: Wyoming Outdoor Council 262 Lincoln St., Lander, WY 82520 or 121 East Grand Avenue, Suite 200 How we’re navigating Laramie, WY 82070

the change wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org 307-332-7031 (phone), 307-332-6899 (fax) [email protected]

Board of Directors Kathy Lichtendahl, Clark President Tony Hoch, Laramie Secretary John Guerin, Laramie Treasurer Keith Rittle, Laramie Member at Large Scott Copeland Tom Bell, Lander Emeritus Harold Bergman, Laramie Janice Harris, Laramie BY LAURIE MILFORD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Terry Jones, Wheatland and opinion site 24/7 Wall St. in 2010 as be- between development and conservation. movement to protect the range originated as including adopting groundbreaking rules in Barbara Parsons, Rawlins ing the best-run state in America. From the Outdoor Council’s perspective, a cooperative effort among a diverse coalition 2010 that require companies to disclose the Anthony Stevens, Wilson In a period of strident partisan politics at Governor Freudenthal didn’t always make of hunters and anglers, labor unions, ranch- chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. the national level, Mr. Freudenthal, a Demo- the right decisions. At times, the conserva- ers, landowners, and conservationists—but Another great accomplishment of the Freu- Staff Laurie Milford crat in a largely Republican state, was a force- tion community found itself at odds with his Governor Freudenthal’s support was crucial denthal administration was the establishment Executive Director ful but nonpartisan chief executive. He leaves administration. And many of the Council’s to the ultimate success of the legislation. We and continued growth of the Wyoming Wild- Richard Garrett office with approval ratings from Wyoming 1,400 members felt he didn’t do enough to couldn’t have done it without him. life and Natural Resources Trust. Appointing Energy and Legislative Advocate Democrats, Republicans, and Independents protect Wyoming’s environment, especially Bob Budd to be the executive director has Bonnie Hofbauer in the 80 percent range. when it came to regulating coalbed methane Progress for the environment also proven to be a good choice. !"#$%&'()(*%+& One of the reasons for his popularity, it water in the Powder River Basin. amid a drilling boom Freudenthal was instrumental in helping Steve Jones seems to me, is that Governor Freudenthal Yet his door was always open, and he was On ’s watch, Wyoming hunters, landowners, and conservationists Watershed Protection Program Attorney ran the state according to what he and willing to consider a well-reasoned argument experienced an unprecedented oil and gas (including the Wyoming Outdoor Council) Nathan Maxon his advisers thought best, not according to and a well-thought-out compromise. This was boom, which generated some tremendous convince the federal Bureau of Land Manage- Energy and Public Lands Fellow Lisa Dardy McGee what a political party would promote. He perhaps his most admirable trait as a leader. benefits for the state. It created good-paying ment in 2008 to protect essential big-game National Parks and Forests Program Director n January 3, 2011, will seemed always to have his eye on both the Most importantly, from my perspective, jobs, boosted Wyoming’s economy, and migration corridors in the Pinedale area. Chris Merrill move into the governor’s office in Wyoming economy and on the Wyoming Governor Freudenthal was willing to be an helped improve education funding, among He helped turn a bad proposal into a better Communications Director OCheyenne, marking a major transi- quality of life. And he didn’t hesitate to make advocate for special places on public lands; he many other things. But the boom also 20-year plan for BLM lands in the Pinedale Sophie Osborn tion for Wyoming and the start of a new era. difficult decisions. stood up, repeatedly, and argued that some brought some serious, and well-documented area. Finalized in 2008, the new plan makes Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Program Manager In the months prior to the 2010 elec- When the Great Recession began in 2008 Wyoming landscapes should be off-limits to environmental costs. more than half of the area’s public lands Bruce Pendery tion, many people throughout the political and early 2009, Governor Freudenthal im- development. The most outstanding example In the face of numerous threats to Wyo- unavailable for oil and gas development, yet Staff Attorney and Program Director spectrum were looking at Governor Dave mediately pushed the legislature to cut the of this was his unwavering support for the ming’s wildlife, air, water, and way of life, allows development and drilling to continue, Linda Sisco Freudenthal’s departure with at least a bit state budget by 10 percent across the board. Wyoming Range Legacy Act, introduced by Governor Freudenthal made decisions that in a concentrated, phased fashion, around Administrative Assistant Gary Wilmot of trepidation. As we emerge from this recession, Wyo- Senator and signed into law in we disagreed with. But he was also willing to the Jonah and Pinedale Anticline natural gas Associate Director Mr. Mead’s resounding victory in Novem- ming is one of the few states that still has an 2009, which removed 1.2 million acres of the work with the Outdoor Council to find some fields. Addressing the continued decline of Jamie Wolf ber shows that the electorate by and large felt operating surplus. This is important to note, Bridger-Teton National Forest from future oil balance and in some cases usher in some mule deer on the anticline will test Governor- Outreach Coordinator most confident handing him the keys to the because while other states are struggling and gas leasing. spectacular progress. elect Matt Mead’s dedication to conservation. car—perhaps because he seemed likely to with deficits, Wyoming has the capacity to The push for this legislation began in 2005 Wyoming has, in fact, taken the lead on In 2010 Wyoming finalized its laudable pick up where Mr. Freudenthal left off. After make careful choices and implement strong on the heels of our legal challenge to new oil high-profile environmental issues in recent and eminently practical plan to protect sage- all, Wyoming was cited by the financial news environmental protections to strike a balance and gas leasing in the Wyoming Range. The years—often in the name of state primacy— grouse. Governor Freudenthal’s executive Continued on page 6 2 I wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org I 3 Energy, Policy, and Wyoming “The Wyoming Outdoor Council has become a leading source for good, science- based infor- mation about the interac- tion of energy development How the elections could and the affect energy policy environment. As an owner of a renewable energy company, I ap- preciate that the Outdoor Coun- cil understands that the issues are complex, and that renewable

Chris Merrill energy, done responsibly, will benefit both the environment and BY RICHARD GARRETT, ENERGY AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE the economy. The Council knows The fact is that forces outside of the state better energy security—energy development policy that works the way it needs to; in Wyoming, too), their implementation are presenting new challenges to Wyoming’s and consumption and the way they interact that thinks that we shouldn’t be work- will almost certainly present challenges for that the only way to achieve sus- traditional economic balance of energy with Wyoming’s environment and our quality ing on energy independence ... Ameri- Wyoming. tainable solutions in Wyoming development, agriculture, and tourism, and it of life could profoundly shift. can people are expecting, and what we If adopted, California’s new energy policy will be to work with as many is crucial that we influence them for a better Governor-elect Matt Mead and President owe them, is to focus on those issues might significantly reduce Wyoming’s ability stakeholders as possible, includ- outcome for the state and our rich natural Barack Obama have, in their own ways, that affect their jobs, their security, to sell energy or energy resources to that environment. signaled to Wyoming that we should antici- and their future: reducing our deficit, state, one of the country’s leading energy ing the energy industry.” An authoritative energy outlook study pub- pate this shift. We at the Wyoming Outdoor promoting a clean energy economy. consumers. —Scott Kane, founder of Creative lished in July of 2010 by the U.S. Department Council have taken note and are ready to —President Barack Obama, speaking at A new policy could, for example, put Energies, Wyoming’s largest provider of of Energy forecasts that the world’s coal con- work even harder to make sure we preserve his post-midterm election news conference, our nascent wind-energy industry at risk if distributed renewable energy sources sumption will increase by 56 percent by 2035. the state’s environment and quality of life. November 3, 2010 California decides it wants somehow to favor While the consumption rate for coal in most Here is our perspective. locally produced, “green” electrons over im- of the wealthier nations will be relatively flat Before the election, Governor-elect Matt ported ones. Meanwhile, a new policy could Each year Wyoming Outdoor over the next 25 years, it is predicted to sky- A critical year for Wyoming Mead generally described how important it also reject Wyoming’s coal-fired, “brown” Council staff and volunteers work rocket in emerging and developing countries. We believe that 2011 is a critical year for is that Wyoming have a coordinated energy electrons, and could potentially lessen for Wyoming’s land, water, and In the , even with new forms Wyoming. A year when we can start to take policy for carbon-based fuel commodities and demand for Wyoming’s natural gas resource, yoming is blessed with incredible of energy coming on line, coal consumption better control of our conservation and energy diversified energy resources like wind. Un- which isn’t as clean as it might seem and wildlife. Our work covers the map, wildlife, tremendous landscapes, will increase by more than 10 percent by future. President Barack Obama and Gover- fortunately, Mead will find himself up against doesn’t have adequate distribution channels. from the Medicine Bows to the Wstalwart agriculture, and robust 2035, according to the report. Much of the nor-elect Matt Mead have offered direction a legislature that traditionally has resisted And as other states and nations work to Tetons, from Pinedale to the Pow- energy and commodities industries. All of increased consumption will occur (or be that those of us who want a better Wyoming any policy for energy beyond drill more, dig reduce their dependence on carbon-based der River. Get up-to-the-minute these natural resources and values combine enabled) as a result of “increasing use of coal should not fail to act on: more, burn more, and ship it to market. energy, Wyoming’s coal industry and to create a way of life that is unique in the for electric generation at new and existing Elsewhere, California voters elected Jerry its economy will be in trouble—unless information about our work at nation if not the world. plants, combined with the startup of several Wyoming should be the first door Brown governor, which sends Wyoming “clean coal” becomes a reality rather than wyomingoutdoor council.org. Within about fifteen minutes of any Wyo- coal-to-liquids plants,” the report concludes. anyone knocks on for energy needs. As a message, too. California has long been just a slogan. ming front door you can find horizon-to-ho- It’s no secret that coal extraction thrusts governor, I will see that our state has a one of Wyoming’s most prized customers The good news is that we can listen and rizon open spaces, world-class wildlife, great more than $1 billion annually into the state’s coordinated policy for energy develop- for energy, but voters there appear to have respond to what the U.S. Department of En- swaths of ranch land, and evidence of energy economy. And like the greenhouse gases it ment, which includes and takes into endorsed candidate Brown’s ideas of devel- ergy study predicts, and what our president, development. Though we sometimes take it emits, this resource seeps into every aspect account available research to keep our oping a California energy policy that would Wyoming’s governor-elect, and the Califor- for granted, it’s truly amazing that all of these of our lives. It influences decisions and state pristine and which includes alter- be geared toward generating energy close to nia electorate tell us about the future energy Please join or renew your things have co-existed (sometimes uneasily) decision makers at the local and state levels. natives to diversify the energy economy. where it is consumed as a way to create jobs, requirements of energy importing states. membership today. for generations. It creates a wealth of opportunities and an —Matt Mead, reduce California’s carbon footprint, and Wyoming has an opportunity to help But that might be changing. Wyoming, embarrassment of environmental risks. 2010 campaign website make the state more self reliant. businesses match future market demands like the nation and the world, is at a cross- And now, because of the nation’s ever- While these are laudable objectives for with a blend of technologies, products, and Wyoming roads—one that leaders, both in the state and growing energy demands, concerns about I don’t think there’s anybody in America the state of California (and we would encour- expertise that will better secure the state’s nationally, have clearly marked. global climate change, and national goals for who thinks that we’ve got an energy age thoughtful consideration for these ideas economic future through much of the first needs you! Continued on page 7 4 I wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org I 5 Continued from page 3 Continued from page 5 order calling for the protection of sage- continue the traditions of keeping the door our ability to work effectively in front of and half of the 21st century. The state can create grouse core areas is one of the best ex- to the governor’s office open, standing up behind the scenes for Wyoming’s environ- this more secure economic future through amples I’ve seen of a science-based, state-led for special places, riding herd on the legis- ment and quality of life. policy decisions and meaningful investments conservation initiative. lature in a nonpartisan fashion, and issuing We’ve shown a willingness to meet and in energy research and development. The idea of protecting “core” areas is important vetoes when necessary. engage with people whose interests, on “The fact is that The even better news is that by following founded on the simple fact that more than 80 The governor of Wyoming has a great the surface, might appear contrary to our forces outside of the Governor-elect Mead’s advice—stepping up percent of Wyoming’s sage-grouse popula- deal of influence in decision-making own—working to narrow the gaps and find to the plate and recognizing that a thought- tion live in these areas, so if land managers related to natural resources, so we believe common ground whenever possible. This state are presenting ful and well-implemented energy policy protect the core habitat, they’ll protect more it behooves any significant public interest has enhanced our credibility and our sway new challenges to makes good business and environmental than 80 percent of the birds. conservation group to have a working rela- with a growing range of policymakers of sense—Wyoming’s policymakers can help Wyoming developed this approach under tionship with the governor. all political stripes. And again, and perhaps Wyoming’s traditional (re)create the environment that Mead calls the looming threat that the federal govern- most importantly, we’ve shown up every day, economic balance of “pristine” in the quote above. ment could list the Greater sage-grouse as The sage-grouse core area everywhere it was important for us to be. an endangered species. The bird was not We’re willing to try new types of advoca- energy development, So what might Wyoming’s listed in 2010, largely due to Wyoming’s plan, however, exists only cy—including meeting people whose goals agriculture, and energy policy look like? sited renewable energy as ways to reduce proactive core area conservation plan. as an executive order, and might seem counter to ours—because, quite First, it must acknowledge that all of our carbon footprint. These strategies Governor Freudenthal helped build a simply, we’re all fellow members of the com- tourism.” Wyoming’s natural resources are world are essential to reducing the effects of broad base of stakeholder support for these thus could be rolled back munity, and we believe we should always be class, including our singular landscapes and climate change. protections—mostly in the name of keeping by a future governor. being willing to talk. natural environment, which are essential to Wyoming could even become an at- the feds off of Wyoming’s back. Whatever For its part, the energy industry seems to the state, the state’s economy, and our way tractive place for sustainable 21st century the impetus, the outcome is great, from our be listening more than ever and is desirous of life, and must be protected for businesses to call home. Eric Lantz, a policy perspective: sage-grouse should benefit. When we met with Mr. Mead at the to hear what the conservation community future generations. analyst at the Colorado-based National The sage-grouse core area plan, however, Outdoor Council’s Lander office in May, we has to say about this wind plant or that trans- Second, the state must invest more re- Renewable Energy Laboratory, was recently exists only as an executive order, and thus were all impressed with his earnest engage- mission line—and industry representatives sources and demand a higher level of com- invited by the Wyoming Infrastructure Au- could be rolled back by a future governor. In ment with the issues and his genuine desire are more often seeking the advise of our staff mitment from the federal government and thority to present an analysis of Wyoming’s a meeting we had with Governor-elect Mead to understand our positions and our work. biologist, and the input of our legal team. industry partners to research and develop wind industry. Lantz told the authority that prior to the elections, we were encouraged I believe the Wyoming Outdoor Council More and more we find ourselves lending both renewable sources of energy and coal with more than 9,000 megawatts of wind to hear of his support for the executive and Mr. Mead will be able to find com- our scientific and legal expertise to people technologies that will meet the demands and energy projected to be developed in the order. He also expressed support for the mon ground based on our shared desire to and groups representing a wide variety of expectations of future out-of-state markets state in the next several years it would make state’s disclosure rules for hydraulic fractur- ensure the well-being of Wyoming residents, interests. that will quite rightfully require constraints sense that Wyoming become a leader in the ing fluids. and protect the quality of life we all appreci- We plan to continue this collaborative on the emission of greenhouse gases and manufacturing of wind turbines, compo- ate. On a personal note, I come from a family approach in 2011, and we look forward to other pollutants. nents, and renewable-energy technologies. How we’re navigating of farmers and stockgrowers. I’m confident working with the new administration in If Wyoming fails to make clean coal more All of this will take commitment and the change the agricultural perspective Mr. Mead and I Cheyenne, which, we hope, plans to pick up than a slogan, our elected officials and busi- stamina not only from the new governor and Prior to the November elections we hosted share will lead us to identify many values in where the previous administration left off. ness leaders will ultimately discover that policymakers but also from the public and in-depth meetings with all of the viable common. If the future is anything like the past, our they can’t sell the state’s coal or the energy the conservation community. The November gubernatorial candidates in Wyoming. Our relationship with the state will continue to it produces in key markets. 2, 2010, elections have presented Wyoming goal was to start laying the groundwork, Building relationships be a tricky one. We’ll collaborate and com- With coal pouring more than $1 billion residents an opportunity to rethink the as a nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest In addition to reaching out to the gubernato- ment. We will work with decision makers annually into the state’s revenue stream, state’s approach to energy and help shape organization, for a productive working re- rial candidates, we also focused a good deal to improve state environmental policies. Wyoming can ill afford to be a less than an energy policy that matches the vision that lationship with the next governor, whoever of our energy in 2010 on continuing to foster We will continue to press the governor to active and involved participant in the pro- Governor-elect Mead articulated during his won the race. working relationships with legislators, state protect the resources and special places that cesses, technologies, and decisions that will campaign: The Wyoming Outdoor Council extended and federal agency heads, and other deci- are important to our members. And—when make it a cleaner and more reliable source the same offer to all of the candidates in sion makers. the implications for Wyoming’s environment of energy. Wyoming needs to coordinate and fa- both major parties: to be a consistent and Thanks to the strong and growing support and way of life demand it—we will take Third, we must demand that natural gas cilitate energy development, to include reliable source for science-based informa- of our membership, the Outdoor Council legal action. extraction and delivery be much cleaner all energy resources. ... Wyoming tion and distinct legal expertise. staff now have the resources to show up, After 40-plus years, the Outdoor Council “The U.S. Department than it currently is. In the words of Steve must lead and not simply follow the We emphasized that we don’t discourage on behalf of all of us, every day, throughout has learned the costs and benefits of all of Energy forecasts Torbit, the regional executive director of the federal government. As governor, I energy development in Wyoming; rather we the state. manners of environmental advocacy—from National Wildlife Federation: “With just a will work to use Wyoming expertise encourage doing it right, in the right places, We make our presence felt not only compromising with diverse stakeholders that the world’s coal few changes in how gas is extracted, and a and Wyoming people for such efforts. at the right pace. I think we are proving during the two-month legislative session, to being steadfast adversaries to certain consumption will in- higher concern for long-term environmental each and every day in all of our interactions but at every pertinent interim legislative actions and interests. With this wealth of and conservation interests on the part of The role of the Outdoor Council will be to that we’re reasonable people with reason- committee meeting throughout the year; at experience to draw from, our task as I see it crease by 56 percent the fossil-fuel industry, we can have ‘clean’ advocate policies that work for Wyoming’s able concerns and goals, backed by some important state and federal agency hear- is to pursue our mission relentlessly while by 2035.” natural gas that actually is clean.” people and environment and to support 1,400 informed citizens. ings; at open houses; and at all categories of making wise choices about the approach And finally, we must develop and man- outcomes that compel Governor-elect Mead Now that voters have chosen Matt Mead official and unofficial gatherings where argu- we take in order to achieve lasting success date the use, within Wyoming, of conserva- to follow through on his promise to keep our to be Wyoming’s governor, we hope he will ments and decisions are made. I’m proud of for Wyoming. tion, energy effieciency, and appropriately state pristine.

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“Joining the Wyoming Outdoor Council was a natural step for me because it is the single most effective advocate I know of that fights for a place that I love and call home. I can’t think of a group I’d rather be a part of and support.” —Terri Watson Brad Christensen/NOLS

erri Watson grew up with Sheridan development on the landscapes near “I don’t have a lot of money to give, but roots and began her flying career as her grandparents’ home in the Powder I want to take care of the things that are T a pilot for the U.S. Army. In 1990 River Basin. important to me after I’m gone. I’ve lost she returned to Wyoming from active-duty “There’s nothing quite so profound people my age and younger in my lifetime— service and flew for LightHawk, a volunteer- as seeing your home changed, so it didn’t seem too early to take action and based aviation organization that champions especially from the perspective of start planning ahead.” environmental protection through the .*/"29$!"32$8*04-:#6#$5*#1$40&5#$7#$ Please join Terri by renewing your perspective of flight. to want to do something more lasting membership each year and, if you choose, She flew LightHawk flights in conjunction to protect it.” by remembering the Wyoming Outdoor with the Wyoming Outdoor Council to Terri included the Outdoor Council in her Council in your will and becoming part of show people the impacts of coalbed methane will as a way to plan for the future. the Wyoming Legacy Society. !"#$%&'()*+,-$*(.'#()#$/0&1-$1*2"$#3)"$3(4$#5#06$7#78#09$ Please join or renew your membership today.