WYOMING

Wyoming’s economy is hurting, thanks in part to record oil prices. By relying on fossil fuels such as oil, we are contributing to global warming as well. If we do nothing about our rampant use of non-renewable energy sources, our economy will suffer. But the potential is great if we choose to act. In fact, our efforts to halt global warming would bring tremendous economic benefits. With a strong investment over ten years, the US economy will see 3.3 million new jobs. (i)

As summers become drier and hotter due to climate change, water shortages are likely to disrupt industry and impact thousands of households around the state. Furthermore, these conditions could bring more frequent and more intense forest fires, which present unprecedented danger to the state’s industry, its forests, and its residents. (ii)

Use of dirty fossil fuels lies at the heart of these problems. Today Wyoming relies on coal to generate about 95% of its energy.

With a strong national commitment to clean, renewable energy, however, we can create jobs in Wyoming.

Wyoming has the potential to generate nearly five times the amount of energy it needs from clean technologies like wind and solar! (iv)

All we need is leadership to get us started down that path.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.apolloalliance.org/downloads/resources_ApolloReport_022404_122748.pdf

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf