Wyoming files lawsuit over EPA’s waste emissions charge

CHEYENNE (WNE) — The state of Wyoming and 22 other states have filed litigation in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging a rule known as the “Waste Emissions Charge” issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Wyoming and other states argue that EPA exceeded its statutory authority in requiring a substantial fine for industries — particularly the oil and gas industry — when they emit gases, including CO2, in the course of their operations.

This legal challenge is the latest in a slew of litigation by many states, including Wyoming, challenging many anti-fossil fuel rules issued by the EPA during the Biden administration.

“In particular, this rule negatively impacts small independent producers in Wyoming,” Gov. Mark Gordon said in a news release. “I am hopeful that the many regulations damaging our Wyoming core industries will be overturned by the courts, or reversed or substantially modified by the incoming presidential administration.”

This story was published on January 18, 2025.