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First U.S. Rare Earth Mine In 70 Years Opens In Wyoming
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was in Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday for the ribbon cutting to open the first U.S. rare earth mine in 70 years. He said the Brook Mine and Wyoming are critical to breaking China’s stranglehold on rare earth processing.
David MadisonJuly 11, 2025
Wyoming’s Exploding Rare Earth Industry Attracts 21 Claims From New Player
Wyoming’s exploding rare earth industry continues to attract attention. The latest is Argyle Resources Corp., which has filed 21 mineral claims in the Bear Lodge Mining District of northeast Wyoming.
David MadisonJuly 09, 2025
Trump Opens Floodgate For Wyoming Coal, But Will Producers Buy New Leases?
Trump’s budget bill opens a floodgate for federal coal leases in Wyoming, but will producers buy them? Experts are mixed. Some say a decade of decline can’t be solved by leasing more area for mining and others that it can spark new activity.
David MadisonJuly 08, 2025
TerraPower’s Kemmerer Nuclear Plant In Fast Lane With Accelerated Permit Review
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will complete its review of TerraPower's construction permit application for its Kemmerer nuclear plant by the end of the year. That’s six months early and has local officials scrambling to keep up.
David MadisonJuly 04, 2025
Wyoming Drilling Crew Hopes To Find Huge Uranium Deposit In Powder River Basin
A Wyoming company will start drilling dozens of holes in the Powder River Basin this month to explore potential to mine uranium. A group that includes companies from Canada and Australia hopes to find a huge uranium deposit.
David MadisonJuly 02, 2025
Energy Secretary To Visit Site Of Massive Rare Earth Find In Ranchester, Wyoming
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will be in northern Wyoming for the July 11 groundbreaking of the Brook Mine in Ranchester. Ramaco Resources believes it holds the largest “unconventional” rare earth deposit in the U.S.
David MadisonJuly 02, 2025
Midwest Power Plant Operator Wants $22M From BNSF For Not Delivering Wyoming Coal
The operator of a pair of Midwest power plants wants $22 million from BNSF Railway, according to recent documents filed with the Surface Transportation Board. The company claims the power plants couldn’t get their full orders of Wyoming coal.
David MadisonJuly 01, 2025
Coal A Big Winner After Marathon Senate Session on Big Beautiful Bill Act
A dramatic marathon weekend session in the U.S. Senate elevated coal as a high priority among lawmakers who hammered out amendments to President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
David MadisonJune 30, 2025
Another Wind And Solar Project Triggers Opposition In Eastern Wyoming
A proposed 450-megawatt wind and solar project in Goshen and Platte counties would create 300 jobs and mean about $150 million in tax revenue. Even so, locals are opposed, with Torrington’s mayor saying a gas- or coal-fired power plant would be preferred.
David MadisonJune 30, 2025
Gillette’s Cyclone Drilling To Do Wyoming’s First 3-Mile Well And 4-Mile Well Is Next
Cyclone Drilling in Gillette is the region's go-to specialist for drilling the deepest and longest oil and gas wells. It’s going to drill Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well — and is already planning to go 4 miles and beyond.
David MadisonJune 28, 2025
Counties Look To Regulate As More Wind, Solar Projects Eye Northeast Wyoming
Crook County doesn’t have regulations for local permitting of solar and wind projects, and hasn’t needed them — until now. As more wind and solar development is planned for northeast Wyoming, local governments are drafting new rules.
David MadisonJune 25, 2025
One Of Wyoming’s Largest Oil Producers Drilling Its First 3-Mile Well
Anschutz Exploration Corp. is already one of the largest oil producers in Wyoming. Now it’s pushing the industry by drilling Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well on a pad in Johnson County.
David MadisonJune 24, 2025
Congress Spotlights Wyoming’s Rare Earth Industry As Vital To US Supply
Wyoming and Montana took center stage at a congressional hearing Tuesday about fast-tracking rare earth processing in the U.S. New tech to extract rare earths from coal waste could help break China’s stranglehold on the critical minerals.
David MadisonJune 24, 2025
Idaho National Lab Wants To Keep Building Wyoming’s Nuclear Industry
The same laboratory that has supported Wyoming’s emerging micro nuclear reactor sector is now inviting more companies to submit proposals. The move comes as Wyoming continues to position itself as a hub for small nuclear reactor development.
David MadisonJune 22, 2025
Despite Opposition From Bar Nunn Residents, Natrona County OKs Nuclear Project
Natrona County commissioners got an earful from locals opposed to Radiant Nuclear’s planned project near Bar Nunn. Then they voted to support the company getting a $25 million grant from the Wyoming Business Council.
David MadisonJune 20, 2025
Black Hills Energy Spending $540M To Connect North-South Wyoming Power Grids
A pair of large-scale Black Hills Energy projects will connect northern and southern Wyoming power grids while adding more natural gas generation. Together, they represent a $540 million outlay.
David MadisonJune 19, 2025
Despite Federal Cuts, Company Says Gillette Carbon Capture Project Not Dead
The Department of Energy scrapping a nearly $50 million grant supporting large-scale carbon capture technology in Gillette is a blow, but won’t kill the project, the company says. Work will continue with a push for private investment.
David MadisonJune 19, 2025
Bar Nunn Residents Push Back On Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel From Microreactors
The central Wyoming town of Bar Nunn, and some state legislators, are divided about a plan for Radiant Nuclear to build its micronuclear plants here. That’s because the plan includes accepting and storing spent nuclear fuel from the company’s reactors.
David MadisonJune 16, 2025
WE Soda Downsizes Wyoming Trona Operation While Ramping Up Production
WE Soda, the world's largest producer of natural soda ash, confirmed this week it’s downsizing positions following a $1.43 billion acquisition of Genesis Alkali's two Wyoming mines.
David MadisonJune 12, 2025
Trump’s EPA To Roll Back Biden-Era Emission Rules On Coal-Fired Power Plants
The EPA is making good on one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, announcing Wednesday it's rolling back Biden-era emissions rules on U.S. power plants. Wyoming power providers are pleased with the move.
David MadisonJune 12, 2025
Wyoming Oil And Gas Lease Sale Nets $7.7M, ‘Peanuts’ Compared To Trump’s First Term
The reality of oil and gas leasing in Wyoming hasn’t yet caught up to the Trump administration’s pledge to “unleash American energy.” Tuesday’s sale took in $7.7 million, “peanuts” compared to the $173 million in the best year of Trump’s first term.
David MadisonJune 11, 2025
Green Groups Fight To Save Biden-Era Plan To End Powder River Basin Coal Mining
A federal judge Friday allowed a coalition of tribal and green groups to fight to save a Biden-era rule that would end coal mining in the Powder River Basin by 2041. They’ve been allowed to help fight a lawsuit filed by Wyoming and Montana to reverse the rule.
David MadisonJune 10, 2025
Trump Administration Pushes For 5,000-Well Wyoming Oil And Gas Project
The Trump administration is pushing to move ahead with granting approvals for a 5,000-well oil and gas project in Converse County, Wyoming. A favorable Friday BLM report comes despite a previous court order halting permitting for the project.
David MadisonJune 09, 2025
Trump Administration OKs Expansion Of Montana Mine That Exports Coal To Asia
The Trump administration has approved an expansion of Montana's Bull Mountains underground coal mine, reinforcing its emergency energy directives to fast-track fossil fuels. Opponents say the move is an “end-run” of environmental safeguards.
David MadisonJune 07, 2025
Wyoming Uranium Boom Drives $76 Million Merger as Industry Grows
Optimism around Wyoming uranium continues to drive investment in the state, with a $76 million merger announced Thursday highlighting the state's re-emergence as a uranium exploration hotspot.
David MadisonJune 05, 2025
Wyoming's Oil Industry Showing Moderate Growth, According To Latest Projections
New oil industry data shows Powder River Basin wells breaking even at $60 per barrel as global market forces create challenges and opportunities. One analyst says if the price per barrel of oil doesn’t go up, it could cost jobs in Wyoming.
David MadisonJune 03, 2025
Wyoming Part of Massive Geothermal Reserve That Could Power 10% of America
A new U.S. Geological Survey study identifies Wyoming’s western border as part of a massive geothermal reserve. Geologists say it could be tapped to generate electricity equal to 10% of America’s current power supply.
David MadisonJune 03, 2025
Ranch Family Files Lawsuit to Block Wyoming Wind Lease, Citing Generational Legacy
Converse County rancher Mike Stephens has filed a lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. He says they failed to follow proper procedures in approving the controversial Pronghorn wind project.
David MadisonJune 02, 2025
Even Industry Insiders Find It Hard To Keep Up With Wyoming Nuclear Boom
The dizzying, supercollider pace of energy investment in Wyoming — especially nuclear — is bringing waves of new faces into the state. It’s happening so fast that industry insiders and trade associations find it hard to keep up.
David MadisonMay 29, 2025
Companies Say National Push Could Accelerate Need For Wyoming’s Rare Earth Minerals
Wyoming's rare earth mining companies are scaling up for what could be the biggest opportunity in decades with a growing demand for minerals that power everything from smartphones to fighter jets.
David MadisonMay 27, 2025
Federal Emergency Order Extends Life Of Power Plant That Burns Wyoming Coal
A U.S. Department of Energy emergency order aims to keep open a Michigan coal-fired power plant that primarily burns Wyoming coal. It counteracts a Michigan law that requires utilities in that state to phase out all coal-fired generation by 2030.
David MadisonMay 27, 2025
Trump’s Order To Cut Red Tape Could Help Put Wyoming Nuclear Projects In Fast Lane
President Donald Trump’s overhaul of U.S. energy policy and direction continues with his executive order aimed at cutting regulatory red tape for nuclear projects. That could help put planned Wyoming nuclear projects in the fast lane for approval.
David MadisonMay 26, 2025
TerraPower Plant Will Have More Nuclear Cops Than The Local Sheriff’s Office
TerraPower experts are working with Wyoming legislators to create a special security force to protect the company's new nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The force of nuclear cops will outnumber the local Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
David MadisonMay 23, 2025
Will Massive Oil And Gas Reserves Mean A New ‘Bakken Boom’ For Southwest Wyoming?
Massive oil and gas reserves identified across southwest Wyoming are being called out this week by federal officials as “substantial.” It has local industry watchers wondering if that could mean a new “Bakken boom” in the region.
David MadisonMay 22, 2025
Pumping CO2 Into Wells Helps With Recovery But Wyoming Energy Leaders Say Cost Is High
Wyoming lawmakers on the Joint Minerals Committee heard testimony Wednesday on how pressurizing oil wells with carbon dioxide pushes out what oil remains, but paying for the infrastructure remains a financial challenge for operators.
David MadisonMay 21, 2025
Campbell, Johnson And Sheridan Counties Seek to Map Coal Seam Fire Threat
There are likely hundreds of smoldering coal seams in northeastern Wyoming and local fire officials are working on a plan to map them from the air as they all have the potential to start wildfires. It's estimated that some of the fires began as far back as 1859 (during the Buchanan administration).
David MadisonMay 21, 2025
Judge Blocks Firings From Program That Supports Coal Miners With Black Lung
When the federal government tried to fire a team protecting coal miners from Wyoming to West Virginia from black lung disease, a miner filed a lawsuit. Last week, a federal judge ordered the restoration of a program that screens miners for the disease.
David MadisonMay 19, 2025
Peabody And Arch/Core Mines Dominate PRB Coal, But Are Shells Of What They Were
The Powder River Basin’s two largest producers continue to be the canary in Wyoming’s coal mining industry. The 2025 first quarter earnings reports were released last week and show Peabody and Arch/Core mines still dominate, but are only shells of what they once were.
Greg JohnsonMay 18, 2025
Doors Swinging Wide Open For Wyoming Energy Development On Public Land
The Trump administration continues to open the floodgates on rolling back restrictions and speeding up timelines for energy development on public land. It’s a relief for Wyoming’s oil and gas sector.
David MadisonMay 16, 2025
Battle Lines Drawn Over Huge Eastern Wyoming ‘Green’ Hydrogen Jet Fuel Project
Battle lines are being drawn over a pair of contentious eastern Wyoming wind and solar projects that recently got leasing approval from state officials. The plan is to make “green” hydrogen jet fuel.
David MadisonMay 15, 2025
Hageman Aims To Protect Hydro Power By Reversing Biden Fish Protections
The U.S. House passed a bill sponsored by Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman on Tuesday that aims to protect the hydro power produced by Glen Canyon Dam. A Biden-era protection on fish bypasses the dam and kills its ability to produce energy, Hageman says.
David MadisonMay 14, 2025
Reaction To Trump Tariffs Helps Push Wyoming Oil Prices To Four-Year Low
The price of oil in Wyoming has been pushed to a four-year low, caused by a response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. A state economist also reports 200 fewer oil and gas jobs than a year ago.
David MadisonMay 13, 2025
Second Major Helium Plant Planned For Southwest Wyoming
Wyoming already produces 20% of the world’s Grade A helium supply from one plant east of Kemmerer. Now it’s about to get another major helium plant in southwest Wyoming.
Renée JeanMay 12, 2025
Wyoming Could Capture Bigger Piece Of US Nuclear Power Than Just Mining Uranium
A pair of the major U.S. players in nuclear power announce a partnership to develop the industry across America — and Wyoming could be ground zero. There's potential for the state do more than just mine uranium.
Renée JeanMay 07, 2025
Group Of Mostly Blue States Sue Trump Over Halt Of Federal Wind Energy Permits
A coalition of 18 attorneys general from mostly blue states is suing the Trump administration over its directive to pump the brakes on federal wind energy permitting. Wyoming has plenty of wind turbines, but isn’t part of the lawsuit.
David MadisonMay 07, 2025
BLM Approves New $5 Billion Pacific Soda Trona Mine Near Green River
The Bureau of Land Management announced Friday it's approved Pacific Soda’s proposed $5 billion Dry Creek Trona Mine Project south of Green River. The project promises hundreds of full-time jobs.
David MadisonMay 05, 2025
Former Wyoming Legislator Now In EPA Approves Long-Delayed Uranium Project
Former Sheridan state legislator Cyrus Western, put in charge of the EPA’s Denver office by the Trump administration, has approved a long-delayed Wyoming uranium mining project. Western says it was past time for “getting government out of the way.”
David MadisonMay 02, 2025
Wyoming A Lynchpin In New Three-State Nuclear Compact With Utah, Idaho
Wyoming has emerged as a lynchpin of a three-state compact with Utah and Idaho signed this week to form a nuclear energy partnership. The TerraPower project near Kemmerer could be just the beginning of a small, modular nuclear reactor revolution.
David MadisonMay 02, 2025
Industry Expert Says Shipping Wyoming Coal Through Gulf Not Far-Fetched
Jackson resident Jim Manley has spent more than 40 years operating barges on the Mississippi River. Transporting Wyoming coal to Asia via barges from the Gulf Coast instead of the West Coast is not far-fetched at all, he said.
Leo WolfsonMay 01, 2025
Gordon Wants To Use Gulf Coast Ports To Export Wyoming Coal, Gas To Asia
Gov. Mark Gordon said Wednesday he wants to use Gulf Coast ports to ship more Wyoming coal to Japan and Taiwan and beat out Alaska as a main trade partner.
Leo WolfsonApril 30, 2025
Hageman Says Wyoming Can Be Part Of Hydropower Boom Across West
Harriet Hageman says there needs to be more investment in hydropower projects across the West, including Wyoming. She says hydropower can be “the backbone of our region’s energy future.”
David MadisonApril 30, 2025
State Wants To Know How Much Coal Is Left In Wyoming, And Who Will Buy It
The Wyoming Energy Authority is preparing a first-of-its-kind analysis of Wyoming’s coal industry. It will determine just how much coal is left in Wyoming, and who will buy it if it’s mined.
David MadisonApril 28, 2025
Oil And Gas Producers Want To Chill Despite Push To Drill, Baby, Drill
The Trump administration is pulling out all the stops to “drill, baby, drill” in a push for more oil and gas drilling on public land. But low oil prices have producers in Wyoming wanting to instead "chill, baby, chill” to boost the market.
David MadisonApril 26, 2025
Wyoming Power Plant May Be Proving Ground For Emissions-Free Coal Burning
The Dave Johnston Power Plant near Glenrock is where PacifiCorp is trying to prove new tech that can achieve emissions-free coal burning. Some experts are optimistic about the prospect, while others wonder if it can be done and at what cost.
David MadisonApril 24, 2025
Clean Energy Company Says Its Tech Could Eliminate Smokestacks On Coal Plants
The smokestacks towering above the Dave Johnston power plant are a fixture on the skyline outside of Glenrock. A group of engineering and technology experts are meeting there this week with the goal of making them obsolete.
David MadisonApril 22, 2025
Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin Joins Ramaco Resources Board
The company developing a rare earth element mine in Ranchester added former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to its team. While in office, Manchin was a leading advocate for the mining industry.
David MadisonApril 22, 2025
Wyoming Rare Earths Could Be Processed At Retooled Plant In Utah
A uranium mill in Utah with ties to operations stretching from Wyoming to Madagascar is retooling to process rare earths. That could be good news for Wyoming mines, which are accelerating their production plans.
David MadisonApril 16, 2025
Peabody Closes ‘Substantial’ Deal For Coal From Its Flagship Wyoming Coal Mine
Peabody Energy, which operates the world’s most productive coal mine, announced Tuesday it has a “substantial” contract to supply Associated Electric Cooperative for “at least the next seven years.”
David MadisonApril 16, 2025
Wyoming Oil And Gas Producers Cheer No More Environmental Review For Federal Leases
Wyoming oil and gas producers are cheering a new directive lifting requirements for environmental reviews for federal leases. The move affects more than 3,200 leases across seven Western states, including Wyoming.
David MadisonApril 15, 2025
Tech Squeezes Millions More Barrels Of Oil From Wyoming Wells
Wyoming’s Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute is partnering with private companies to give aging oil fields a new lease on life. The technology is allowing millions more barrels of oil to be squeezed out of existing wells.
Zakary SonntagApril 13, 2025
Research Shows Solar Panels Can Also Generate Electricity At Night
New research shows there’s a process that offers the promise of around-the-clock electricity generation with solar panels. But the technology is not yet available for people to use to power their homes.
David MadisonApril 12, 2025
$30 Million Investment Bets On Glenrock Being Wyoming’s Next Uranium Hot Spot
Could an area north of Glenrock become Wyoming’s next uranium hot spot? A $30 million investment from a Canada mining venture is betting it will.
David MadisonApril 09, 2025
Chinese Export Restrictions Could Help Wyoming’s Rare Earths Industry
Wyoming’s rare earth minerals industry is cautiously optimistic about restrictions China has put on exporting the same rare earth minerals they mine in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Leo WolfsonApril 07, 2025
From Ohio To Wyoming, Nearly 50 Years Of Working In And Around U.S. Coal
Paul Hughes started work in coal-burning industry as a teenager in Ohio in the late 1970s. That eventually brought him to Wyoming, which has turned into nearly 50 years working in and around the coal industry in the East and West.
Renée JeanApril 06, 2025
Report: Wyoming Leads Coal-Burning States With Lowest Power Rates In The U.S.
Wyoming and other coal-friendly energy states have low power rates, with Wyoming ranking as the lowest in the nation. That’s what the American Legislative Exchange Council says in its annual report.
David MadisonApril 03, 2025
Microbes Used To ‘Supercharge’ Gas Production From Powder River Basin Coal Seams
Recent USGS research shows naturally occurring underground microbes can “supercharge” natural gas production from Powder River Basin coal seams.
David MadisonApril 03, 2025
Trump’s Energy Order Includes Solar Money For Ranchers, Small Businesses
Wyoming ranchers, farmers and small business owners can still get federal money for their solar energy projects. It’s there if they revise them to align with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order.
David MadisonApril 02, 2025
Interest In Community Solar Power Projects Grows In Wyoming And Montana
As legislators in Wyoming and Montana debate solar power in their states, more homeowners are installing panels. They’re also considering community solar projects where people can subscribe to get power, like they would for Netflix or other services.
David MadisonMarch 31, 2025
BLM OKs Plan To Store CO2 Under 600,000 Acres Of Southwest Wyoming
The Bureau of Land Management has approved a plan to store carbon dioxide under 605,100 acres of land in southwest Wyoming. Over 30 years, it could store 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
David MadisonMarch 27, 2025
Power Plants Burning More Wyoming Coal So Far In 2025
Despite the layoffs of 28 Kemmerer coal mine workers last week, there’s evidence of an uptick in demand for thermal coal from Wyoming. So far in 2025, power plants are burning more coal.
David MadisonMarch 27, 2025
Bar Nunn Locals Receptive To Build Micro Reactors, Not So Much Storing Spent Fuel
Bar Nunn locals were receptive to a $250 million to $500 million project to build micro nuclear reactors there at a Tuesday meeting to present the plan. They aren’t as excited about the spent nuclear fuel coming back to be stored there.
Leo WolfsonMarch 26, 2025
With Rare Earths In Trump’s Fast Lane, Wyoming Projects Get Cash Infusions
As the Trump administration continues to put domestic development of rare earth mining and processing in the fast lane, Wyoming’s big projects benefit. The push means huge infusions of cash to develop them.
David MadisonMarch 26, 2025
Trump Order Further Tees Up Wyoming To Become Leader In Rare Earth Elements
Trump’s executive order last week to boost production of rare earth elements tees up Wyoming become a focus for that. Breaking China’s stranglehold on the world’s supply “is an emergency,” says Holly Krutka, who heads UW’s School of Energy Resources.
David MadisonMarch 24, 2025
Trump Promises Comeback For U.S. Coal, To Reopen “Hundreds” Of Coal-Fired Plants
President Trump promised this week to reopen “hundreds” of coal-fired power plants and spark a comeback for the industry. Wyoming experts say that’s refreshing to hear, but it won’t happen as long as coal costs more than gas and renewables.
David MadisonMarch 20, 2025
New Report Says There’s Still 'Substantial' Oil And Gas Under Wyoming
A U.S. Geological Survey report released last week says there’s still "substantial" oil and gas underneath Wyoming. The Powder River, Wind River and Bighorn basins still have nearly 50 million barrels of oil and close to 1 billion cubic feet of gas.
David MadisonMarch 19, 2025
Consumer Advocates Warn More Rate Increases Ahead For Rocky Mountain Power Customers
Both of Wyoming’s consumer advocate groups foresee more rate increases ahead for Rocky Mountain Power customers. If commissioners approve the latest rate increase, the overall rate increase in the past two years totals 30.4%.
Renée JeanMarch 13, 2025
Uranium Energy Corp. Produces Its First Batch Of Wyoming Yellowcake Uranium
Uranium Energy Corp. has hit a milestone, producing its first batch of Wyoming yellowcake uranium. It’s a huge step for the company as it ramps up to 8.1 million pounds of production capacity in the Cowboy State.
Renée JeanMarch 08, 2025
Lawmaker Announces Plan To Build Next-Generation Coal-Fired Plant In Wyoming
A new coal-fired power plant hasn’t opened in the U.S. since 2013, but that’s about to change. A leading state legislator tells Cowboy State Daily that plans are in the works to build a next-generation coal and CO2 plant in Wyoming.
David MadisonMarch 06, 2025
Meier, Gray Believe Land Purchase In Washington Could Open Way For Coal Exports
In an effort to export Wyoming coal to the Pacific Rim, Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray believe purchasing land in Washington state could give Wyoming the legal standing to make it happen.
Renée JeanMarch 05, 2025
Wyoming Fights Biden Rule Some Say Tries To Price Out Oil And Gas Operators
Wyoming legislators have fought back against a Biden administration effort some say tries to price out oil and gas producers by hiking bond rates 1,400% and more. A $45 million pool of money will help those operators with their bonding.
Zakary SonntagMarch 04, 2025
Trump Says US Needs To Double Or Triple ‘Electrical Capacity,’ Wyoming Says It’s Ready
President Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting Wednesday and suggested the country must double or triple its “electrical capacity.” Wyoming energy officials say they are ready to help make that happen.
Renée JeanFebruary 27, 2025
House Committee Kills Bill To Store Radioactive Waste In Wyoming
A House committee rejected a proposal Wednesday to build small nuclear power plants. Assurances that the legislation would not bring radioactive “green slime” to Wyoming weren’t enough to convince committee members.
David MadisonFebruary 19, 2025
Virginia Company Scouting Wyoming For Spot To Build Uranium Fuel Plant
Virginia-based BWX Technologies is not just looking to deploy small micro nuclear reactors in Wyoming. It’s scouting the state for possible sites to build a uranium fuel plant.
Renée JeanFebruary 19, 2025
Despite Chilly Climate, It’s Business As Usual For Wind, Solar Energy In Wyoming
Wind and solar energy projects in Wyoming are moving ahead with their projects, despite the recent chill from both federal and state lawmakers. Most of the projects are on private property, project managers say, which helps de-risk the projects.
Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025
Wyoming Family Learns Solar Panels Aren’t For The Faint Of Heart
A Happy Valley family who lives near Cheyenne found out the hard way that solar panels aren’t for the faint of heart. They do work, and they do defray energy costs, but there are a lot of headaches that go along with it. It helps if you have the patience of a saint.
Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025
USGS Using A Helicopter Hula Hoop To See What's Buried Under Southeast Wyoming
The United States Geological Survey has started flying helicopters between 100 to 200 feet above the ground with a giant electromagnetic sensor to identify water, minerals and metals buried up to 1,500 feet underground in southeast Wyoming.
Andrew RossiFebruary 07, 2025
TerraPower Nuclear Training Center In Kemmerer Will Be One-Of-A-Kind In The World
The 35,000-square-foot nuclear training center TerraPower is building in Kemmerer, Wyoming, will be the only one of its kind in the world. Plans are for it to train all the company’s nuclear techs wherever in the world their Natrium reactors are.
Renée JeanFebruary 04, 2025
If Cow Belches Are So Bad, Why Didn’t The U.S. West's 60M Bison Kill The Planet?
If cow belches and farts are so bad, why didn’t the vast herds of 60 million bison roaming the U.S. West before the 1880s kill the planet? The nonprofit Western Justice wants to know, but science suggests they’re not comparable.
Andrew RossiJanuary 29, 2025
Kemmerer Officials Hope TerraPower Deal Could Attract AI Data Center
As Bill Gates-backed TerraPower continues building a first-of-its-kind nuclear plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, it has struck a deal with the nation’s largest independent data center provider. Local officials hope that could lead to an AI data center there.
Renée JeanJanuary 22, 2025
Wyoming's Powder River Basin Sitting On Untapped Oil And Gas Potential
The oil and gas industry has been talking up the potential of the Powder River Basin for 20 years. Even so, Wyoming’s busiest play still only has about 11 rigs running. It’s going to take more than an oil-friendly administration to increase production.
Renée JeanJanuary 14, 2025
Feds OK Wyoming Idea To Use Old Wind Turbines To Fill In Coal Mines
Wyoming’s innovative plan to allow coal mines to accept wind turbine blades as fill material has cleared the Biden administration, almost four years after the state approved it.
Renée JeanJanuary 14, 2025
Rocky Mountain Power To Cancel Planned Retirements Of Its Wyoming Coal Plants
Rocky Mountain Power announced last week that it’s cancelling the retirements of its Wyoming coal-fired power plants. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be burning coal long into the future.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 09, 2025
Industry: Court Ruling BLM Illegally Halted Oil And Gas Lease Sales Is Too Late
A judge ruled Tuesday that the BLM illegally suspended a 2022 Wyoming oil and gas lease. While pleased with the decision, the governor and industry officials said Friday it’s too little, too late to reverse the damage done by the Biden administration.
Renée JeanJanuary 03, 2025
Wyoming Project Gets Boost In Race To Be First For U.S. Rare Earths Production
What could be one of the world’s richest rare earths deposits announced Friday a partnership for a Wyoming pilot plant. It’s a boost for Wyoming to be first in the U.S. to help stand up domestic rare earths production sooner.
Renée JeanDecember 21, 2024
Cluster Of Wind Turbines Sitting Idle Outside Casper Won’t Turn Anytime Soon
A cluster of turbines sitting idle in the December winds outside Casper will remain idle into the next year. Chevron is citing “telemetry issues” with PacificCorp for why they’ve not been used for much of the past few years.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 20, 2024
Barrasso Says Targeting Gas Exports Act Of A “Bitter Administration On Its Way Out”
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso doesn’t like a Tuesday U.S. Department of Energy report calling for fewer exports of liquified natural gas. He calls it “a biased study from a bitter administration on its way out the door.”
David MadisonDecember 19, 2024
Innovative Short Wind Turbines Are In For A Tough Test — Wyoming Winter
Airloom Energy will test its innovative wind turbines in winter — the perfect shakedown for an 80- to 100-foot-tall invention born in Wyoming. The novel Bill Gates-backed concept could make today’s 500-foot-tall wind towers obsolete.
Renée JeanDecember 18, 2024
John Bear Thinks Micro Plants Could Help Wyoming Coal, Create Power Autonomy
State Rep. John Bear is promoting the development of micro coal-fired power plants to serve Wyoming communities across the state. It’s a concept he says could help stabilize coal, attract industry and create power autonomy.
Leo WolfsonDecember 17, 2024
Wyoming Trona Mine Closer To Being Powered By 8 Tiny Nuclear Reactors
Tata Chemicals announced Friday that it has signed a new letter of intent for using up to eight nuclear microreactors to power its Green River trona operation. Tata is the first company in the U.S. to pursue small-scale industrial nuclear power.
Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024
Uranium Energy Corp. Finalizes $175M Buyout Of Wyoming Processing Plant
Uranium Energy Corp. has finalized a $175 million buyout of Rio Tinto’s Wyoming assets, which includes its Sweetwater County processing plant. The sale gives Uranium Energy the nation’s largest production capacity of uranium.
Renée JeanDecember 09, 2024
China’s Ban On Rare Earth Exports Good News For Huge Wyoming Projects
China issued a ban Tuesday on exporting to the U.S. critical rare earth minerals for semiconductors, infrared, fiber optics and military explosives. But representatives of Wyoming’s huge rare earths projects say the ban is good news for them.
Renée JeanDecember 04, 2024
Turkish Company Offers $285 Million To Buy Interest In Huge Wyoming Trona Mine
Sisecam, a Turkish company, is offering $285 million to buy out a minority stake in one of Wyoming’s huge new trona mines.
Renée JeanDecember 02, 2024
BLM Outlaws Coal In Powder River Basin; Gordon Says Prepare For A Fight
The BLM has made it official Tuesday — it’s ending new coal leases in the Powder River Basin, with an eye to producing no more coal after 2041. Gov. Mark Gordon says those are fighting words.
Renée JeanNovember 27, 2024
Bill Gates-Backed TerraPower Strikes Deal To Get Laser-Enriched Uranium
Bill Gates-backed TerraPower and the nuclear plant it's building in southwest Wyoming have secured another potential source of uranium. It’s struck a deal to get laser-enriched uranium.
Renée JeanNovember 24, 2024
F.E. Warren Air Force Base Exploring Geothermal Power To Boost Resiliency Against Catastrophe
Cheyenne’s F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which houses the nation’s nuclear missiles, is exploring geothermal energy to build up the military base’s resiliency. Geothermal power could ensure the base is functional, even if the overall power grid goes down.
Renée JeanNovember 23, 2024
14-Year-Old Casper Wind Farm Has Not Turned A Blade In At Least 3 Years
The 11 wind turbines on the northeast side of Casper once represented the region’s first step into renewable energy. Now, some say they are an eyesore that has idled for at least three years.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 20, 2024
Wyoming Coal Jobs Down Nearly 8% Over Last Nine Months, 25% Since 2017
Wyoming’s coal workforce is down nearly 8% over the last nine months. And since 2017, there are 25% fewer people working coal jobs.
Greg JohnsonNovember 20, 2024
Barring “A Miracle,” Wyoming Coal Will Miss 200M Tons For First Time Since 1992
Wyoming is on track to miss producing 200 million tons of coal for the first time since 1992. “Short of a miracle,” that’s what’s going to happen, says one of the nation’s leading energy economists.
Greg JohnsonNovember 17, 2024
Natrona County Planners OK 2,000-Acre Solar Farm West Of Casper
A proposal to put a 2,000-acre solar farm and battery storage facility west of Casper was OK’d by Natrona County Planners on Tuesday. The 199 MW facility with 100 MW of storage would be on private ranch land.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 14, 2024
Enhanced Oil Recovery Is Coming To Wyoming To Unlock Trapped Oil and Gas
Oil and gas wells typically leave behind 85% or so of available resources. Enhanced oil and gas recovery is key to more economical wells, and several companies are eyeing field tests in Wyoming for that.
Renée JeanNovember 12, 2024
More Details Emerge About Blockbuster Anschutz PRB Oil And Gas Deal
Occidental Petroleum has offered more details to Cowboy State Daily about the blockbuster oil and gas deal that has Anschutz acquiring Oxy/Anadarko assets in the PPB. Occidental says it’s keeping 150,000 acres it considers “core."
Renée JeanNovember 07, 2024
Trump Signals Huge Support For Oil & Gas During Victory Speech, Wyoming Industry Leaders Thrilled
It didn’t take long for former President Donald Trump to hype up America's oil and gas industry after he won the 2024 presidential election Tuesday. Wyoming industry leaders say Trump's victory is also a win for U.S. oil and gas.
Renée JeanNovember 06, 2024
Blockbuster Deal Has Anschutz Getting Oxy/Anadarko Oil And Gas Interests In PRB
The Powder River Basin’s largest private oil and gas operator is getting a lot bigger. In a blockbuster deal, Anschutz has sent notices to Powder River Basin operators that it’s acquired the working interests in Oxy/Anadarko in the PRB.
Renée JeanNovember 05, 2024
If Iceland Can Tap Volcano For Energy, Would That Work In Yellowstone?
Scientists will be drilling a 1.3-mile-deep borehole into an active volcano to tap into the potentially limitless energy from the magma underneath Iceland. The same could work in Yellowstone but will likely never happen.
Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024
Upton’s China-Busting Rare Earths Demonstration Plant Is Officially Underway
Rare Element Resources has already started operations at its rare earths demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming, with what’s known as a “shakedown.” The real shakedown will be perfecting a process that could help break China’s stranglehold on rare earths.
Renée JeanNovember 02, 2024
TerraPower Strikes Deal With South African Company For Steady Uranium Source
A stable source of uranium has been a big question mark for the TerraPower nuclear plant in Kemmerer. The company appears to have answered that question with a new agreement with a South African company.
Renée JeanOctober 31, 2024
$80 Million Bet Says Wyoming Can Unlock Secret To Getting More Oil From "Tight Rocks"
ThermoFisher Scientific is laying a $40 million bet, matched by $40 million from the Legislature, that Wyoming can get more oil from so-called "tight rocks." Squeezing even 1% more from those rocks is worth billions of dollars.
Renée JeanOctober 29, 2024
Construction Underway On Testing Facility At TerraPower’s Wyoming Nuclear Plant Site
Construction is happening in Kemmerer at the site of the future TerraPower nuclear plant site. But it’s not the actual plant that’s being built, it’s a test and fill facility, the first step of many before the plant finally opens in 2030.
Renée JeanOctober 22, 2024
Wyoming Rare Earths Producer Close To Completing $53 Million Processing Plant
Rare Element Resources needs one more thumbs-up from a federal agency to complete its $53 million rare earth demonstration plant in Upton. The rare earth refinery is billed as a game-changer not just for Wyoming, but America.
Renée JeanOctober 21, 2024
Hundreds Of Wyoming Coal Jobs Threatened By Federal Regulation, Legislator Says
A state legislator says the future of a coal mine that employs hundreds of Sheridan County people is threatened by proposed federal regulation. Cyrus Western is worried the feds will cut the Spring Creek mine’s available coal by half because of a proposed revision to an environmental impact statement.
Leo WolfsonOctober 20, 2024