Mark Gordon

Representative Harriet Hageman introduced House Resolution 7695, legislation designed to codify the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule and prohibit future administrations from reinstating or implementing substantially similar policies affecting 59 million acres of national forest land. The bill would prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary from proposing, finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing any rule comparable to the Roadless Rule, which currently restricts roadbuilding on 3.3 million acres of federal land in Wyoming across nine national forests. Hageman testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources' Federal Lands Subcommittee in support of the legislation, citing what she characterized as negative impacts of the existing rule on Wyoming.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Wyoming's $205 million Year 1 application to the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a Trump administration initiative providing up to $50 billion in healthcare funding through 2030. Gov. Gordon's final application outlined proposals to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, including regionalizing emergency medical services, establishing clinical workforce training grants, and creating financial incentives for Critical Access Hospitals to maintain essential services. The approved plan omitted two components from the original submission: a state-operated public insurance plan called "BearCare" and a perpetuity revenue-generation system, both of which were rejected by state legislators and federal administrators respectively.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray sent letters to the Fremont County Commission and Governor Mark Gordon calling for examination of electoral boundaries on the Wind River Indian Reservation in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which restricted the use of race as a factor in creating election districts. Gray argued that certain maps for the Wyoming Legislature and Fremont County Commission were unconstitutional because they were drawn with consideration to race. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribal governments rejected Gray's calls, stating that the Secretary of State's actions targeted sovereign governments and the original peoples of the land.

Wyoming applied for $200 million from the Trump administration's Rural Health Transformation Program in 2025, proposing several initiatives including a perpetuity fund designed to generate long-term revenue for healthcare programs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services denied the perpetuity proposal due to federal regulations, and Wyoming also withdrew a separate proposal to establish a state-operated public insurance plan after legislative opposition. Wyoming remains eligible to receive $205 million in federal funding announced in December 2025, contingent upon federal approval of a revised application with alternative proposals.

The Trump administration's Bureau of Land Management repealed the 2024 Public Lands Rule, which had classified conservation as a discrete use of public lands on equal footing with mining, energy, and grazing activities. Governor Gordon applauded the repeal, which the final rule stated restores balance to federal land management under multiple use and sustained yield principles by prioritizing access and local decision-making. Wyoming had joined Utah in challenging the 2024 rule in court, arguing the BLM had overstepped its authority.

Governor Gordon signed an alternate abortion provision on Friday that bars abortion after fetal viability, except to save a woman's life, returning Wyoming's legal landscape to its pre-2022 status following the Roe v. Wade decision. The provision establishes a fetal viability standard as the threshold for abortion restrictions in the state. Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming's only procedural abortion clinic, indicated the measure would have minimal operational impact since the clinic does not provide abortions beyond 23 weeks and six days of pregnancy.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins sent an agency-wide Easter email to U.S. Forest Service employees containing Christian religious messaging, marking a departure from the agency's historical separation of church and state principle. Rollins subsequently announced a significant reorganization of the Forest Service that included relocating headquarters to Salt Lake City, replacing nine regional offices with state-based offices, and consolidating dozens of research stations into a single Colorado-based organization. The reorganization, implemented over a year after the Department of Government Efficiency's initial federal workforce reductions, has left Forest Service employees in Wyoming reporting ongoing uncertainty regarding research operations and resource allocation across the agency's management of more than 9 million acres of national forests in the state.

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz defended the Human Heartbeat Act, signed into law in March 2025, during oral arguments before Natrona County District Judge Dan Forgey. The law bans abortion except in medical emergencies once fetal cardiac activity is detectable, typically around six weeks of pregnancy, and subjects abortion providers to up to five years in prison and loss of medical license for failure to check for fetal heartbeat. Forgey heard over 90 minutes of arguments from lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the measure and from Kautz defending its compliance with the Wyoming Constitution, with a ruling on whether to temporarily halt enforcement pending.

The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board met on April 22, 2026, to allocate $5 million in state funding for housing infrastructure projects across Wyoming communities, having received $53 million in total requests from 22 applications. Gordon participated in the board's consideration of 11 proposed projects ranging from $250,000 to $1 million each, addressing infrastructure needs in communities including Lander, Cheyenne, Rawlins, Buffalo, and Kemmerer. The board's decision followed an earlier April 2 meeting where debate over citizenship verification requirements for housing residents had delayed the funding allocation.

Governor Mark Gordon directed the Wyoming Attorney General's Office to seek the removal of Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, accusing her of filing a false audit report related to a 2024 election-night miscount and defying a legislative subpoena. District Court Judge Michael McGrady dismissed the removal proceedings on April 16, 2026, after Hadlock resigned from her position on April 9, 2026, rendering the petition moot. Hadlock continues to face charges in two other cases related to her conduct during and after the 2024 general election.

Governor Gordon signed an executive order to implement the Summer Nutrition (SUN) Bucks program in Wyoming, which provides electronic benefit transfer cards worth $120 per eligible child to help purchase food during summer months when school is not in session. The program had previously failed to gain legislative approval in Wyoming, leaving approximately 35,000 eligible children unable to participate in summer food assistance. The executive order made Wyoming eligible to participate in the federally supported program, which operates in most other states.

Governor Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-02 on April 15, 2026, directing the Department of Family Services to develop and implement a Wyoming SUN Bucks program beginning in June. The action provided one-time funding for the federal summer food assistance initiative after the Wyoming Legislature declined to appropriate $1.8 million for the program in its 2026 session. The SUN Bucks program loads debit cards with $120 per eligible school-aged child to purchase groceries during the three-month summer break when free and reduced-price school meals are unavailable.

Governor Mark Gordon, along with the Wyoming Energy Authority and Wyoming Business Council, actively recruited nuclear energy developers to the state as part of efforts to expand the industry, including connecting Wyoming's uranium mining sector with the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses initiative. The state had previously carved out an exception to its blanket nuclear waste storage ban to allow spent fuel from in-state nuclear power plants, following TerraPower's proposal to build an advanced Natrium power plant outside Kemmerer. Wyoming communities expressed concerns about the pace of industry expansion and sought additional time to consider the implications of nuclear energy development, particularly regarding high-level radioactive waste storage.

Weston County Clerk Hadlock was arrested on April 8, 2026, and charged with one count of violating the election code as an official and one count of falsifying election documents, both felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. State investigators found that Hadlock knowingly filed a false post-election audit following the 2024 general election that showed no errors, while a subsequent audit of the same ballots revealed 21 errors. The charges stem from Hadlock's conduct related to an election-night error in her county that initially resulted in a miscount in the House District 1 race.

The Trump administration announced the relocation of the U.S. Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, accompanied by a restructuring that replaces nine regional offices with 15 state-based offices. Wyoming's Northern Plains State Office, overseeing North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming, would be established in Cheyenne under the new arrangement. Governor Gordon issued a statement indicating the restructuring would benefit cooperative management of Wyoming's natural resources, while the USDA stated that the changes do not affect individual forest or district offices or their staffing.

Governor Gordon signed Wyoming's 2026 Abortion Ban in March 2026, legislation sponsored by Speaker Chip Neiman that restricts abortion in cases where a fetal heartbeat can be detected, typically at six weeks of pregnancy. The law went into effect immediately following Gordon's signature. The same plaintiffs who previously defeated two Wyoming abortion bans filed suit in April 2026 challenging the law as unconstitutional, alleging it violates state constitutional protections for health care access, equal protection, and due process.

Judge Thomas C. Campbell denied a request by abortion rights advocates to add Wyoming's Human Heartbeat Act to an ongoing Natrona County District Court lawsuit challenging other state abortion restrictions. Campbell determined that the factual issues presented by the new law were sufficiently distinct from those already before the court and that adding the measure would delay resolution of the existing case through summary judgment or trial. The group challenging the Human Heartbeat Act must now file a separate complaint to contest the measure.

In January 2026, Governor Mark Gordon issued his budget request that included full funding for the University of Wyoming's block grant at approximately $366 million for the biennium. Members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus subsequently pursued a $40 million cut to the university's grant during the legislative session. The proposed cut ultimately failed, though the debate raised questions about the university's mission and public funding priorities in the state.

Governor Gordon signed legislation in 2026 that lowered the legal age for concealed carry in Wyoming from 21 to 18, effective July 1 of that year. This action followed passage of the bill by the state Legislature. The change represents a modification to Wyoming's firearms regulations regarding age requirements for concealed weapons permits.

Governor Mark Gordon signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law, which prohibits abortions after a detectable fetal heartbeat is present, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. The law imposes criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to ten thousand dollars on abortion providers who fail to detect a fetal heartbeat, along with potential loss of medical license. Enforcement of the statute falls to state law enforcement and county attorneys, who would conduct criminal investigations that could include examination of patient medical records subject to federal privacy protections under HIPAA.

In January, Governor Gordon directed the Wyoming Attorney General's Office to initiate removal proceedings against Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock under Wyoming Statute 18-3-902, determining that her conduct in handling the 2024 general election constituted misconduct or malfeasance. Hadlock was scheduled to face a jury trial beginning April 13 in Weston County District Court to determine whether she should be removed from office. The removal proceeding centered on issues related to Hadlock's administration of the general election.

Governor Mark Gordon signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law in March 2026, which prohibits abortions except in medical emergencies if a fetal heartbeat is detected, with penalties of up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine for providers who fail to determine fetal heartbeat. The law took effect immediately following Gordon's signature. A court hearing to determine whether the Human Heartbeat Act will be added to an ongoing lawsuit challenging Wyoming's abortion restrictions is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

Gov. Mark Gordon launched the WY We Care Initiative in response to Wyoming's elevated suicide rates, which reached the second-highest rate nationwide in 2024 with a 35% increase over ten years. The initiative hosted a series of free suicide awareness and prevention trainings throughout March 2026, with more than 3,000 residents having participated in trainings before the March offerings. Gordon stated that the trainings provide residents with tools to recognize and assist individuals who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman announced a $100 million federal appropriation from the U.S. Department of the Interior to rebuild the collapsed Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel in Goshen County, which had failed in July 2019 and cut off water to more than 100,000 acres of farmland. The funding was secured from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's $889 million appropriation to the Bureau of Reclamation following Hageman's advocacy through her position as chair of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Hageman had also previously secured an additional $14.6 million in community project funding toward the repairs, which have an estimated total cost of $150 million and are scheduled to continue through spring 2028.

Governor Mark Gordon signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law on Monday, which prohibits abortions after a detectable fetal heartbeat is present, typically around six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. Abortion providers who fail to detect a fetal heartbeat face potential penalties of up to five years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and loss of medical license. On Tuesday, abortion rights advocates filed a legal challenge asserting the law is unconstitutional and requested that a state judge block the measure while litigation proceeds.

Governor Gordon signed Senate Joint Resolution 9, "Keeping public lands protected and decisions local," in a public ceremony during the 2026 legislative session. The resolution requests that Congress recognize Wyoming's freedom of access to public lands while supporting responsible development, local input, and multiple-use management including recreation, agriculture, energy, and conservation. The measure passed with support from 81 lawmakers across both chambers and calls for keeping approximately 30 million acres of federal land in Wyoming under federal management rather than state transfer.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 96 into law on March 7, 2026, lowering the age requirement for concealed carry permits from 21 to 18 years old, effective July 1, 2026. Under the law, 18- to 20-year-olds will still be required to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons, while Wyoming's existing constitutional carry provision for those over 21 remains unchanged. The legislation allows individuals aged 18 to 20 who are lawfully able to own firearms to apply for concealed carry permits without the previous age restriction.

Governor Gordon vetoed Senate File 101, which proposed amendments to Wyoming's Second Amendment Protection Act that would have added a $50,000 civil penalty per violation and created a private right of action for alleged violations of the law. Gordon stated in his veto letter that the amendments would hinder the Trump administration's enforcement initiatives on immigration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking by limiting cooperation with federal agencies. The Wyoming Senate failed to override the veto on Wednesday with a vote of 12 to 18, falling short of the 21 votes required.

Governor Gordon signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law on Monday, which prohibits abortion once a detectable fetal heartbeat is present, typically at six weeks of gestation, with the law taking effect immediately. Gordon acknowledged in his signing letter that the legislation represented a legal risk and predicted it would result in court challenges. Abortion rights advocates filed a legal motion the following day seeking to block the law while their constitutional challenge proceeds, arguing it violates individuals' rights to make healthcare decisions without government interference.

Governor Gordon vetoed House Bill 178, "Public unions-transparency and dues withdrawal limitations," which would have prohibited public employers from offering voluntary payroll deductions for union membership fees. The House failed to achieve the two-thirds majority vote required to override Gordon's veto on March 11, 2026, allowing the payroll deduction practice to remain in place. The bill had been sponsored by Representative JD Williams and backed by Americans for Prosperity, while labor organizations and critics argued the deductions simply allowed employees to direct portions of their earned salaries without diverting taxpayer funds.

Wyoming lawmakers voted to override four of Governor Gordon's line-item vetoes of the state budget bill on March 9, 2026, all relating to state employee positions and salaries. Gordon had vetoed language that would have allowed the Legislature to specify the number of employees in the executive branch, asserting that such determinations fall within executive authority rather than legislative purview. The overrides required two-thirds approval in both chambers and succeeded after the Senate initially voted to override seven vetoes, with the House approving four of those seven overrides.

Governor Gordon allowed Senate File 81, Wyoming's $3.9 billion K-12 education spending plan, to become law without his signature on Monday. Gordon's primary concern was the legislation's restriction on instructional funding allocations, which he stated prevents school districts from using those funds for non-instructional expenses such as facility repairs, equipment, or administrative costs. The two-year plan includes an increase in average teacher compensation from $67,000 to $75,863 annually and was developed by the legislative Select Committee on School Finance.

Governor Gordon allowed Senate File 81, the K-12 public school finance recalibration bill, to become law without his signature on March 9, 2026. In a letter to legislative leadership, Gordon stated his concerns that the legislation disadvantages smaller districts, restricts local authority over school operations, and fails to adequately address operational funding needs beyond classroom instruction. Gordon indicated he could not exercise a line-item veto on the bill and expressed hope that the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration would address his concerns regarding categorical education funding allocation across Wyoming's 48 districts in subsequent work.

A federal judge vacated the environmental review for the Converse County Oil and Gas Project, a 5,000-well development planned across approximately 1.5 million acres in Wyoming, in late February 2026 due to environmental flaws in the review process. Despite the court decision, the Bureau of Land Management continued issuing drilling permits in the project area under a separate planning document, allowing drilling operations to proceed. The project was originally authorized to generate between 8,000 jobs and $18 billion to $28 billion in federal revenues while conservationists raised concerns about impacts to wildlife including burrowing owls and ferruginous hawks.

Governor Gordon signed into law on March 9, 2026, a measure that bans abortions in Wyoming except in the earliest weeks of pregnancy, specifically prohibiting the procedure in cases of a "detectable fetal heartbeat," which can occur as early as six weeks. In his signing letter, Gordon acknowledged that the law would likely face constitutional challenges in court, similar to previous abortion restrictions struck down by the Wyoming Supreme Court in January 2026, and noted that he had hoped for a more durable solution through a constitutional amendment. Following the signing, Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access, the state's sole clinic offering procedural abortions, announced the facility's intent to challenge the ban in court.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed House Bill 178, which would have prohibited public employers from administering voluntary paycheck deductions for union dues and fees while carving out exceptions for charitable donations, health insurance premiums, and public safety labor organizations. Gordon stated his veto was based on concerns about the state deciding how employees spend earned compensation, the non-uniform treatment of public employees, potential criminal liability exposure, and insufficient deliberation on unintended consequences. The measure had passed the Legislature and generated Senate debate regarding whether its selective application to certain public employee unions raised constitutional concerns.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed House Bill 178 on Tuesday, legislation sponsored by Rep. JD Williams that would have prohibited Wyoming state agencies and school districts from deducting union and political organization dues from public employees' paychecks. Gordon stated in his veto statement that he was concerned about out-of-state interests influencing Wyoming legislation and objected to the bill's different treatment of various agencies and its potential to subject public employees to misdemeanor charges. The bill had passed the Senate 21-10 but fell short of the two-thirds majority required in the House with a 36-22 vote, making an override uncertain when the Legislature meets for veto consideration.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed Senate File 101, the Second Amendment Protection Act Amendments, which would have expanded Wyoming's restrictions on enforcement of federal gun orders by allowing civil litigation and imposing $50,000 civil penalties per violation on law enforcement agencies. In his veto message, Gordon stated the measure would hinder the Trump administration's agenda and create legal peril for sheriffs and community law enforcement officers. The vetoed legislation had passed the House 40-21 and represented Gordon's second consecutive veto of similar gun law changes, with all 23 Wyoming sheriffs having signed a letter opposing the measure.

Governor Mark Gordon signed Senate File 10 into law on March 6, 2026, authorizing the Wyoming Department of Health to enter into contracts with detention centers to reimburse jails for holding and treating individuals with mental illnesses while they await competency evaluations. The legislation addresses a backlog of inmates awaiting beds at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, where wait times had reached approximately five months. The state budget signed by Gordon the previous day allocated $5 million to fund these reimbursements over a two-year period.

Governor Gordon signed Wyoming's two-year budget on Thursday while exercising his veto power to strike approximately two dozen items and footnotes from the legislation. The budget approved by the Legislature fell approximately $53 million short of Gordon's $11 billion in recommendations, though the final spending plan largely reflected the Senate's position which closely aligned with the governor's original proposal. Gordon vetoed certain budget reductions, including the elimination of SUN Bucks, a summer food program for children, which he stated made conditions more difficult for struggling families.

Governor Gordon signed Senate File 59, "K-12 language and literacy program," into law on March 6, 2026. The bill establishes an evidence-based system of instruction, intervention, and professional development designed to ensure all K-12 Wyoming students develop strong language and literacy skills and to standardize reading instruction across the state's school districts. The legislation addresses deficiencies in current teaching methods and aims to prevent struggling readers from falling behind in their education.

Wyoming lawmakers passed Senate File 81, a roughly $3.9 billion, two-year K-12 school spending package that was sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk after clearing the Legislature on Thursday. The bill implements a nearly wholesale reassessment of public K-12 education costs and includes provisions addressing court-ordered requirements such as elementary school counselor funding, school lunch programs, school resource officers, and student computer access. The legislation establishes teacher salary recommendations at $75,863 per year, implements regional cost adjustments, and caps annual increases in teacher compensation spending at 10% per year for the next three years.

Senate File 101, sponsored by Senate President Bo Biteman, passed the Wyoming House of Representatives on March 5, 2026, in a 40-21 vote and was sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk. The bill would amend Wyoming's Second Amendment Protection Act by adding civil litigation options that allow any party to sue over alleged violations, imposing $50,000 civil penalties per violation on agencies, and creating additional liability for officers who enforce federal firearms directives. Gordon vetoed a similar measure in the previous year.

Governor Gordon exercised his line-item veto authority on March 6, 2026, to strike legislative language from the state's two-year $9.9 billion budget that would have defunded the Wyoming Business Council's Business-Ready Communities program, eliminated flexibility for state colleges to use funds for name, image and likeness compensation, and required the sale or dismantling of one of the executive branch's two state jets. Gordon's vetoes restored funding for the Business-Ready Communities program, which supports local economic-development entities, and preserved the state's ability to operate both aircraft without adding additional appropriations. The Wyoming Legislature retains the authority to override Gordon's vetoes with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Governor Mark Gordon appointed former state Representative Clark Stith to serve as Sweetwater County District Court judge beginning April 18, 2026, following the retirement of Judge Richard Lavery. Stith, a 35-year attorney, was selected from three nominees provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission. Upon taking the bench, Stith will step back from two active high-profile litigation matters he had been handling pro bono, the Martinez v. Wyoming State Republican Party case and the Wylie v. WY Freedom PAC case, and is seeking other attorneys to assume representation of his clients in those disputes.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved TerraPower's construction permit for a sodium-cooled nuclear power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming on March 4, 2026, marking the first nuclear reactor construction approval in 10 years. Governor Gordon issued a statement congratulating TerraPower on achieving this milestone and affirming Wyoming's role in advancing power generation. The Natrium reactor is expected to produce 345 megawatts of baseload electricity with the ability to reach 500 megawatts during peak demand.

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak initiated a criminal investigation into an incident in which conservative activist Rebecca Bextel distributed $1,500 campaign donation checks to Republican lawmakers on the House floor on February 9, 2026, two days before a House vote on House Bill 141 that Bextel supported. Kozak stated that the sheriff's office began the inquiry to determine whether probable cause existed and to utilize investigative tools such as search warrants for cell phone records and emails that the House's internal investigation could not access. Kozak responded to accusations from some lawmakers that the investigation was politically motivated by maintaining that the criminal inquiry was not driven by political considerations.

The Wyoming Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 130 on Monday, a bill sponsored by Rep. Robert Wharff that modifies the state's Second Amendment Protection Act restricting enforcement of federal gun laws. The amendment, proposed by Sen. Cale Case, had been adopted by the Senate Revenue Committee after approximately 20 law enforcement officers testified that the original bill would expose them to legal liability and hamper law enforcement operations. With the amendment stripped, the bill was restored to its original version and cleared its second reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

The Wyoming House and Senate voted to approve a compromise state budget for the 2027-28 biennium totaling $9.98 billion in total funds and $3.4 billion in general funds, which was then sent to Governor Gordon for his consideration. Gordon issued a statement characterizing the budget as "a win for Wyoming" and noted that the compromise restored three-quarters of the $40 million he had recommended for the University of Wyoming, along with state employee raises and funding for the Wyoming Business Council. Gordon has 72 hours from the legislature's vote to take action on the budget, which may include line-item vetoes.

Governor Gordon's recommended $10.13 billion, two-year budget was passed by the Wyoming Legislature in the form of a $9.99 billion compromise proposal, with the state Senate voting 28-3 and the House voting 59-1 in favor on March 2, 2026. The final budget fell $143 million below Gordon's original recommendation following negotiations between House and Senate budget committees. Gordon released a statement characterizing the passage as a victory for Wyoming citizens and thanking legislators who supported his budget priorities.

House Bill 8 and House Bill 9 were passed by the Wyoming legislature and sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for signature. HB 8, the "Stalking of Minors" bill, establishes stalking of a minor by an adult 18 or older as a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. HB 9, the "Grooming of Children Offenses and Amendments" bill, defines grooming behaviors and establishes felony penalties of up to 10 years for grooming children under 16 and up to 15 years for children under 12, while also requiring convicted adults to register as sex offenders.

Governor Gordon recommended funding for the University of Wyoming that lawmakers on the Joint Conference Committee largely restored in the state's unified budget on February 27, 2026. The restored funding included $40 million in block grant funding, $12.5 million in matching funds, approximately $1.7 million for Wyoming Public Media, and $27.7 million for employee salary raises, totaling nearly $61 million in restorations. The budget included a requirement that the university review its organizational structure and staffing patterns and submit a $5 million cost savings plan by December or face the loss of $10 million in state funding.

Governor Gordon expressed cautious optimism about Wyoming's two-year spending plan on Tuesday, one day after the state Senate and House sent each other different budget drafts with a $170 million difference across approximately $10 billion in planned expenses. Gordon stated that at least half of the House's $171.4 million in budget reductions appear to be "cuts in name only," citing examples such as the separation of a $615 million federal health care grant into a separate bill and the deferral of technology upgrades to the odd-year supplemental budget. Gordon also voiced disappointment that the House did not fund the $3.53 million "Sun bucks" summer lunch program for children.

Speaker of the House Chip Neiman appointed himself and four representatives—Abby Angelos, John Bear, Scott Heiner, and Ken Pendergraft—to the Joint Conference Committee tasked with reconciling a $170 million budget gap between the Wyoming House and Senate budget proposals. All five appointees are members or allies of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. The committee must negotiate differences between the two chambers on funding for the state's economic development agency, University of Wyoming's block grant, state employee pay raises, and other budget items including a footnote regarding Wyoming Public Media funding.

Wyoming lawmakers advanced two bills to provide financial support to fossil fuel companies during the 2026 legislative budget session. House Bill 128, "Enhanced oil recovery-severance tax exemption," would create a five-year 2% state severance tax reduction for secondary oil and gas recovery projects, projected to reduce state revenue by approximately $1 million in 2028 and $2.7 million in 2029. Senate File 123, "Wyoming energy dominance fund," would divert 0.5% of paid severance taxes for two years to create a $105 million fund providing matching grants and loans to companies developing new oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, and critical minerals projects, while explicitly excluding wind and solar energy investments.

Wyoming lawmakers advanced Senate Joint Resolution 1 on February 24, 2026, which seeks to amend the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to grant Wyoming administrative control over federal mineral leasing on Department of Interior lands within the state. The House Minerals Committee passed the resolution 7-0 after removing language that would have committed Wyoming to preserve federal ownership of the lands and underlying mineral estate. Senator Bob Ide and Representative Robert Wharff argued that affirming federal ownership in the resolution could limit Wyoming's ability to pursue future legal claims to the lands, while Representative Martha Lawley contended that such ownership acknowledgment was standard language necessary to secure federal cooperation in primacy programs.

Senate File 10, sponsored by the Joint Judiciary Committee, would authorize the Wyoming Department of Health to enter into contracts with county jails to reimburse them for housing and providing mental health services to inmates awaiting competency evaluations or restoration. The bill addresses a growing problem in detention centers that have increasingly been forced to house individuals with mental illnesses while beds at the state hospital remain unavailable. The measure cleared its first hurdle in the House on Friday with a unanimous vote after passing through the Senate in the first two weeks of the 2026 legislative session.

Rep. Kevin Campbell spoke in favor of House Bill 126, a proposed "heartbeat act" that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, approximately six to eight weeks' gestation, during debate on the Wyoming House floor on Thursday. Campbell shared personal testimony about being born to a 14-year-old mother and adopted as an infant in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1969. The bill survived its first-reading debate and will proceed to two additional amendment opportunities before a House vote to determine whether it advances to the state Senate.

House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, received a campaign check from Rebecca Bextel on February 9 during the opening day of the legislative session, which he handed to his wife to deposit in his campaign account. Neiman stated he voted in favor of House Bill 141, the bill Bextel championed, after having already cosponsored similar legislation the previous year as Senate File 40. The Wyoming House voted 37-21 on February 19 to require a seven-person investigative committee appointed by Neiman to continue its investigation into the check-passing matter despite a concurrent criminal investigation announced by Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak.

The Wyoming House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee voted 8-1 to advance House Bill 143, the Free Speech for Healthcare Providers Act, which prohibits state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions from discriminating against healthcare providers based on legally protected speech or expression. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Pepper Ottman, creates a private cause of action for healthcare professionals whose rights are violated and excludes speech that directly causes physical or mental harm to patients within three years. The legislation was presented as necessary to prevent state overreach following cases including the settlement of a First Amendment lawsuit involving Dr. Allan Josephson and pending litigation in Chiles v. Salazar before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Governor Gordon signed an executive order on February 17, 2026, banning campaign contributions in state buildings owned or leased by Wyoming, including the Capitol. The ban prohibits in-person donations by cash, check, or other means, as well as online campaign solicitations originating from state facilities, and took effect immediately. The order excludes areas under legislative control, including the House and Senate floors, and was issued in response to an incident in which a conservative activist distributed checks to lawmakers on the House floor while related legislation was pending.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum assumed jurisdiction over an appeals case involving approval of Jonah Energy's 3,500-well gas field in Sublette County, Wyoming, staying the January decision by Interior administrative judges that had invalidated the project. Governor Gordon's office announced that Wyoming's attorney general had petitioned the Interior Board of Land Appeals, arguing that Clean Air Act compliance issues could be addressed through amendments rather than invalidation of the $18 billion gas development project. The state's petition contended that the gas field would generate approximately $2 billion in severance taxes and $611 million in sales tax revenue while creating over 900 jobs.

Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, presented House Bill 116 to the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee on Tuesday, which would declare that splitting water molecules to industrially produce hydrogen "shall not constitute a beneficial use of water" under Wyoming law. The bill passed the committee 8-1, establishing a legal prohibition on using water for hydrogen production through electrolysis. The legislation emerged from community controversy surrounding Focus Clean Energy's Pronghorn project in Converse County, though the company subsequently announced in January that it had dropped hydrogen production from its plans.

The Wyoming House of Representatives passed House Bill 36, "Forestry division wildland fire modules," on February 17, 2026, allocating $5.1 million to establish Wyoming's first two professional ground-based wildland firefighting teams. Representative Marilyn Connolly of Buffalo amended the bill to increase funding from $2.7 million to $5.1 million, enabling the creation of crews to be stationed in both eastern and western regions of the state. The measure responded to documented resource shortages during recent major fire events, including the 2024 Elk and House Draw fires in the Powder River Basin.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced that the state filed a petition with a federal legislative panel to reverse the Interior Board of Land Appeals' January 15 decision to block Jonah Energy's Normally Pressured Lance field project, a $17.85 billion natural gas expansion involving 3,500 wells across 141,000 acres in western Wyoming. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum suspended the panel's decision pending review. Gordon stated in the petition that the decision constituted administrative overreach and would result in approximately $2 billion in lost severance taxes and $611 million in lost sales tax revenue for the state over the project's lifetime.

Governor Gordon vetoed House Bill 172 in 2024, legislation that would have repealed gun-free zones in Wyoming state government buildings including the Capitol. The bill was reintroduced in the 2026 legislative session and ultimately became law, allowing concealed firearms in the Wyoming Capitol and other state buildings during legislative sessions. The 2026 budget session marked the first time lawmakers and other Capitol occupants were permitted to carry concealed weapons in the building while the Legislature conducted business.

The Wyoming House Appropriations Committee voted to forward House Bill 130, the Second Amendment Protection Act, to the House floor on February 13, 2026. The bill would prohibit Wyoming law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal gun regulations that violate residents' Second Amendment rights and prevent officers from participating in federal firearms task forces. Law enforcement officials including Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska testified that the measure could impede federal investigations and prosecutions, citing a specific case where cooperation with federal agencies resulted in the conviction of a woman who illegally provided firearms to a man who killed one of his officers.

Governor Gordon called on the Wyoming Legislature to pass a constitutional amendment regarding abortion and health care access during the 2026 legislative session. Senate Joint Resolution 7, which would have asked voters to amend the Wyoming Constitution to empower the Legislature to define health care in relation to abortion restrictions, failed introduction in the Senate by a single vote, receiving 20 votes in favor and 11 against when a two-thirds majority was required. Gordon's call for legislative action followed a January 2026 Wyoming Supreme Court decision striking down two state abortion bans as unconstitutional.

The Trump administration, through EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, rescinded the 2009 "endangerment finding" that established the federal government's legal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. The action eliminated the regulatory foundation that had required federal agencies to set emission standards for transportation and power generation sectors. Zeldin characterized the decision as the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, while environmental organizations announced plans to challenge the ruling in court.

House Joint Resolution 3, titled "Storage of spent nuclear fuel and waste-vote required," failed to advance in the Wyoming Legislature's budget session on a 32-30 vote, falling short of the two-thirds majority required during the budget session. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bill Allemand, would have placed a constitutional amendment referendum on the general election ballot requiring voter approval on a case-by-case basis for any nuclear waste storage in Wyoming. The resolution emerged in response to Radiant Industries' proposed nuclear microreactor manufacturing facility near Bar Nunn, which was subsequently withdrawn in October 2025 when the company relocated the project to Tennessee.

House Bill 117 was advanced by the Wyoming House of Representatives on a 53-8 vote, requiring women to receive detailed written information at least 24 hours before obtaining an abortion and establishing civil liability provisions. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, creates a private right of action allowing interested parties to sue for damages of not less than $25,000 per claim when informed consent requirements are not met, coercion occurs, or harm results from negligent or reckless conduct related to abortion provision. The measure was assigned to the Labor Committee following its passage on the House floor.

Rep. Jeremy Haroldson introduced House Bill 96 during the 2026 Wyoming Legislature budget session, which would lower the legal age requirement for obtaining a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18 years old. The measure passed its introductory vote 57-4 in the House on February 11, 2026. Currently, individuals aged 18-21 can obtain a concealed carry permit only with a letter of recommendation from their county sheriff and approval from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, a process HB 96 would eliminate.

Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden delivered her first State of the Judiciary address on February 9, 2026, following criticism from Republican lawmakers over the Wyoming Supreme Court's ruling that the state's abortion bans are unconstitutional. Boomgaarden stated that judicial decisions are not political statements and that judges are prohibited by the Wyoming Code of Judicial Conduct from publicly debating or explaining their rulings through media or social media. She emphasized that the court's role is to consistently apply the law to the facts presented, regardless of political considerations, and that adherence to this principle constitutes the rule of law that supports all three branches of government.

Governor Gordon delivered remarks during his State of the State address in which he stated that abortion warrants careful deliberation by the Wyoming Legislature and called for the body to develop a solution to present to voters. Gordon characterized protecting life as a serious government responsibility and called for a "clear, irrefutable, durable and morally sound resolution" to the abortion question. Gordon was not invited to a "pro-life caucus" gathering held by Wyoming Freedom Caucus members at the Wyoming Capitol and Supreme Court on the opening day of the legislative session.

During his State of the State address on February 9, 2026, Governor Gordon presented his proposed $11.1 billion biennial budget to the Wyoming Legislature and urged lawmakers to restore it after the Joint Appropriations Committee proposed significant reductions. Gordon specifically requested that the Legislature preserve funding for the Wyoming Business Council rather than reduce it to $2 million, and called for placing $250 million in excess investment revenue into permanent savings rather than using it to offset budget cuts. The governor framed these positions as matters of fiscal stewardship and long-term economic competitiveness for Wyoming.

Governor Gordon allowed House Bill 19-13 (the gun-free zones repeal) to pass into law without his signature in 2025, which eliminated designated gun-free zones at the University of Wyoming and community colleges. Two bills introduced in the 2026 legislature, House Bill 95 and House Bill 96, propose further modifications to expand concealed carry rights on campuses by eliminating permit requirements for those 21 and older and lowering the minimum age for concealed carry permits from 21 to 18. House Bill 95 would extend constitutional carry to former gun-free zones for those over 21, while House Bill 96 would allow 18-year-olds to obtain concealed carry permits, though both measures would maintain restrictions on open carry in those locations.

Governor Mark Gordon recommended reducing the Wyoming Business Council's budget request for the next two years by approximately half, from $111 million to roughly $55 million, while directing the agency to improve its vetting process for business applicants. Gordon stated he wanted applicants to demonstrate understanding of Wyoming's economic value and avoid requesting unnecessary assistance. The recommendation came after the Joint Appropriations Committee advanced proposed legislation seeking to defund the Wyoming Business Council entirely and remove it from state law.

Wyoming legislators will consider the Wyoming Rural Health Transformation bill during the 2026 legislative session to implement proposals from the state's application for federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds, which awarded Wyoming $205 million in December 2025. The bill would establish a perpetuity investment fund, create an advisory panel, and launch programs designed to address rural health care challenges including hospital viability, emergency medical services sustainability, and workforce retention. Additional health care legislation under consideration includes measures to increase Medicaid reimbursement for maternity care, birthing centers, and emergency medical services.

Governor Gordon participated in a public forum in Lander regarding the state's upcoming budget session and addressed a proposed $40 million cut to the University of Wyoming's state-funded grant. Gordon stated that the university should listen to both the Legislature and the people of Wyoming while reducing confrontational approaches to policy disagreements. Gordon indicated that the university should pursue greater financial independence and explore alternative funding sources rather than relying primarily on legislative appropriations.

In June, the U.S. Department of Justice requested Wyoming's voter registration list, and Secretary of State Chuck Gray provided the statewide voter registration data in August, including driver's license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. Gray stated in a written response that he complied with a lawful request after consulting with the Wyoming Attorney General's Office and that voter information remains confidential under law. The League of Women Voters and Wyoming Democrats subsequently criticized the decision, with the League stating that Gray's action undermines public confidence in the election process.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent informed outfitter Jake Hutton in June 2025 that his grazing lease on the Kelly Parcel would be terminated at the end of that season, despite the parcel's acquisition by the federal government in a $100 million transaction on December 31, 2024. Hutton had actively campaigned to keep the 640-acre parcel in public ownership rather than allowing it to be auctioned to private interests, citing his reliance on a grazing lease to operate JH Outfitting Co. Park officials stated that commercial interests were not their priority for the newly acquired land, indicating the grazing operation would not continue under park management.

Wyoming Water Development Office Director Jason Mead informed the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on January 7, 2026, that the state faces approximately $700 million in water infrastructure needs, including $200 million to $300 million for repairs to irrigation structures and additional costs for municipal water systems. Mead's assessment followed a survey of 10,000 irrigation structures that found approximately 20 percent in poor or failing condition. Governor Mark Gordon has requested $30 million to launch new small water development projects while the state also pursues funding for two proposed dams and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure including the LaPrele Dam and Goshen irrigation tunnels.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors voted to move its headquarters, Hall of Fame, and museum from Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with the transition planned for early 2029. The relocation is contingent upon securing funding and an appropriate location, with Cheyenne LEADS committing $15 million and Governor Mark Gordon placing a $15 million line item in the state's draft budget at his request. The proposed 35-acre campus would be situated near the intersection of Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 and designed as an anchor for a western-themed entertainment and cultural district.

Governor Gordon directed the State Board of Equalization not to file a lawsuit challenging a residential property tax cap enacted in 2024, announcing this decision on Thursday following reports that the board was preparing legal action against the Department of Revenue. Gordon stated in a statement that filing such a suit would confuse taxpayers and complicate the county assessor's process, while expressing confidence that the 4% cap on annual residential property tax increases was constitutional. The tax cap, which passed with near-unanimous support in the legislature in 2024, exempts residential property from tax increases above 4% annually regardless of real estate value growth.

Governor Gordon halted a lawsuit filed by the Wyoming State Board of Equalization that sought to challenge the constitutionality of the state's 4% cap on residential property tax growth, which was enacted in 2024. The board's chair and vice-chair had prepared a legal complaint arguing the cap violated Article 15, Section 11 of the Wyoming Constitution by preventing uniform assessment of property taxes according to full property value. Gordon stated in a Thursday announcement that he suspended the litigation to avoid "confusing" changes for taxpayers and county assessors, and expressed his continued confidence that the 4% cap is constitutional.

Wyoming completed a $10 million gold purchase in December 2024 as required by the Wyoming Gold Act, legislation sponsored by State Sen. Bob Ide during the 2025 legislative session. The Treasurer's office purchased 2,312 ounces of gold at $4,337.60 per ounce on December 19, with the gold stored at the Wyoming Reserve in Casper. The purchase was confirmed during a January 9 Joint Appropriations Committee hearing, with no public announcement made at the time of acquisition.

Gray voted to approve wind energy leases on three occasions between June 2023 and August 2024, including a Rocky Mountain Power renewal in Carbon County and two NextEra Energy Resources applications in Converse and Natrona counties. The votes occurred despite Gray's public statements characterizing wind projects as "woke wind" and calling for their termination. Gray voted against two separate wind proposals, the Pronghorn and Sidewinder projects, in April 2024, when he was outvoted by the other four members of the State Board of Land Commissioners.

The Joint Appropriations Committee approved a $15 million appropriation requested by Governor Mark Gordon to attract the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to relocate from Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The funds would match an equivalent commitment from Cheyenne LEADS, an economic development organization. The PRCA, which has been headquartered in Colorado for 46 years, is considering the move while also evaluating proposals from other states including Texas.

The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee passed a 58-page draft bill on January 16, 2026, to dismantle the Wyoming Business Council, with the measure advancing on a 9-3 vote despite objections from Governor Gordon's office. The bill, introduced by Senator Dan Laursen, prescribes the method for dismantling the agency and codifies an earlier committee vote to defund it. The measure will be introduced in the full Senate during the February budget session.

Governor Mark Gordon recommended that the Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee place $250 million in excess state revenue into permanent savings accounts, specifically the Wyoming Permanent Mineral Trust Fund and the Common School Permanent Land Fund, in a January 7 letter to the committee. Gordon stated that placing funds in permanent savings would generate investment income to help offset future state service costs and prepare Wyoming for economic downturns. The recommendation created division within the committee during January 15 budget discussions, with some lawmakers preferring temporary savings accounts that would allow future spending discretion.

Governor Gordon submitted a letter to the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on January 7, 2026, requesting continued funding for the Wyoming Business Council amid legislative scrutiny of the agency's necessity and effectiveness. Gordon acknowledged that increased oversight of the Business Council may be warranted but stated that eliminating the agency's funding entirely would be counterproductive to the state's economic development efforts. The request came during committee hearings in which members questioned whether state-funded economic development incentives represent an appropriate use of public resources.

Governor Gordon recommended $111.8 million in state employee raises to bring Wyoming worker compensation from 2022 to 2024 market payroll levels. The Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee voted Monday to deny this recommendation on a motion by Republican Rep. Scott Smith, though Smith indicated some targeted raises for specific positions such as Highway Patrol troopers and State Hospital nurses may be considered during subsequent budget negotiations. The full Wyoming Legislature will address the state budget during its four-week session beginning February 9, where the decision may be revisited.

Gordon and Secretary of State Gray engaged in a heated exchange during a Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners meeting in Douglas regarding the proposed Pronghorn H2 wind energy project on state trust lands. The confrontation occurred after Gray pressed Gordon to ensure the attorney general would not "undercut the will of the board," prompting Gordon to defend Attorney General Keith Kautz and ask Gray if he wanted to "step outside." The special meeting lasted more than five and a half hours and featured testimony from ranchers and residents regarding the state's handling of the wind lease.

Governor Mark Gordon directed the Wyoming Attorney General's office to seek the removal of Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock following a verified complaint from qualified electors regarding her conduct related to the 2024 general election. Gordon cited Hadlock's failure to appear for a legislative subpoena and her filing of a false audit report as acts of misconduct or malfeasance. Hadlock stated through her attorney that she does not intend to resign and will continue serving as county clerk while reviewing the Governor's decision and any subsequent legal filings.

Following the Wyoming Supreme Court's decision striking down the state's abortion bans on constitutional grounds, Governor Gordon called for the Attorney General's office to file a petition for rehearing of the case within 15 days. Gordon stated in a written statement that the ruling did not reflect the views of many Wyoming citizens, including himself, and urged state lawmakers to draft a constitutional amendment to let Wyoming voters settle the matter. The court had ruled that the decision to terminate or continue a pregnancy constitutes a health care decision protected under Article 1, Section 38 of the Wyoming Constitution.

Governor Gordon announced his approval of the Wyoming Department of Transportation's $282.8 million budget request for the 2027-28 biennium, which includes $256 million in standard rolling costs and $26.74 million in specialized requests. The budget request represents an increase of approximately $32.5 million from the agency's most recent two-year budget of $250.2 million and includes funding for the Wyoming Highway Patrol, which requested $91.23 million of the total. Gordon's backing of the full request initiated review by the state Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee, which began examining specific expenditures including staffing levels, equipment upgrades, and operational needs during its four-week budget planning process.

Following a Wyoming Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state's abortion bans, Governor Mark Gordon stated in a phone interview that he was "very disappointed" at the decision and said "This is not good for Wyoming. It's not good for the unborn." Gordon indicated he hoped that any future abortion provisions would be drafted "carefully and thoughtfully, to make sure we get the issue correct." Gordon's previous approach to abortion legislation involved signing the 2022 trigger ban and the 2023 remedial bill into law while avoiding actions that would prolong court battles.

Gov. Mark Gordon released $2.4 million in state funds to supplement hunger relief efforts after declaring a public welfare emergency during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025, which left an estimated 26,000 Wyoming residents without SNAP assistance. The funds were distributed to 81 mobile pantries, food pantries, and the Food Bank of Wyoming, with distribution amounts ranging from $1,814 to $216,280 depending on the organization. The emergency relief enabled Wyoming's food relief network to distribute approximately 140,000 more meals compared to the same period the previous year.

The Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners scheduled a special meeting for January 8, 2026, in Douglas to take public comment on wind leasing rules following a district court judge's December 5 ruling that vacated the board's approval of the Pronghorn H2 wind energy lease in Converse County. The meeting will address wind leasing on state lands generally and will also consider proposed rule changes for grazing, agricultural leasing, special use leasing, and an oil and gas lease term extension in Laramie County. Both the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners and Pronghorn H2 LLC filed notices of appeal of Judge F. Scott Peasley's ruling to the Wyoming Supreme Court on December 19, with the dispute centered on the interpretation of the word "including" in the board's wind leasing rules.

Governor Gordon directed the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the state's National Guard to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to participate in immigration enforcement activities during 2025. These agreements represented an expansion of state involvement in federal immigration enforcement operations, which had previously been the exclusive purview of federal agencies. Gordon's actions occurred alongside passage of state legislation banning sanctuary cities and invalidating driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants by other states.

The federal government approved $205 million for the first year of Wyoming's Rural Health Transformation Program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump in July. The approval includes funding for infrastructure to establish the "Bear Care" catastrophic insurance program, which would provide coverage for major medical events to individuals and small business groups. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, Bear Care would operate as a self-insured risk pool funded by member fees after an initial federal investment, with no ongoing government subsidies for claims or operating expenses.

President Donald Trump signed the "Unleashing American Energy" executive order on his first day in office, which directed federal agencies to repeal greenhouse gas emissions standards for the power sector and Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, and instructed the EPA to reconsider the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases. Trump also appointed Cyrus Western, a former Wyoming lawmaker, to lead the EPA's Region 8 office covering the Rocky Mountain region including Wyoming. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon praised Trump's energy policy direction during 2025.

President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders in 2025 intended to boost the U.S. coal industry, including measures to open and expedite federal land for coal leases and to push back or halt scheduled closures of coal-fired power plants. The International Energy Agency reported that global coal demand is expected to reach a new record high in 2025, with U.S. demand expected to increase 8 percent, breaking a 15-year decline. The increased demand is being driven by higher natural gas prices and slower-than-expected closures of coal-fired plants, according to the IEA report.

The Bureau of Land Management released a revised management plan on December 23, 2025, governing approximately 50 million acres of public land across eight Western states, including 26.6 million acres in Wyoming, that applies to greater sage grouse conservation and development. Wyoming's acting BLM director Kristina Kirby stated the plan incorporated updated scientific information and reflected the state's adaptive management approach while meeting the agency's multiple-use mandate. The revision drew criticism from conservation groups who characterized it as weakening protections for sage grouse habitat, while Wyoming state officials including Bob Budd, chairman of Wyoming's Sage Grouse Implementation Team, stated that conservation commitments remained intact.

The Trump administration announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which operates a supercomputing center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought stated in a social media post that the administration would break up the institution while noting that vital weather research activities would be moved to another entity or location. The National Science Foundation indicated it would explore options to transfer stewardship of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputer to an appropriate operator and redefine the scope of modeling and forecasting research to concentrate on weather prediction and space weather needs.

Governor Gordon announced on December 20, 2025, that the Wyoming Energy Authority would award $100 million in matching funds to BWXT under the Large Energy Project funding legislation enacted in 2024 to support construction of a TRISO fuel fabrication facility in Gillette. BWXT committed to providing $473,602,061 in matching funds, exceeding the required 1:1 match threshold established by the legislation. The project is estimated to create 200 permanent jobs with average wages exceeding $100,000 annually and generate approximately $20 million in new annual payrolls for the Gillette area once operational.

At a Wyoming legislative appropriations hearing in December 2025, Senate Appropriations Chair Tim Salazar questioned Adjutant General Greg Porter about unidentified anomalous phenomena over Wyoming airspace. Porter declined to discuss the matter in open testimony, stating he was aware of incidents near other federal facilities that he could not address publicly. Porter also informed the committee that the Wyoming National Guard currently lacks counter-unmanned aircraft system capability and that his department agreed with Governor Mark Gordon's earlier decision not to pursue drone interdiction technology at that time.

The University of Wyoming requested an additional $54 million on top of its $440 million state-funded budget for the upcoming two-year budget cycle, seeking funds for artificial intelligence programs, paid student internships, technical trade equipment, athletics grants, and minerals industry laboratories. Governor Mark Gordon recommended against providing the $2.5 million requested for the artificial intelligence initiative in his budget proposal released the previous month. Members of the legislative Joint Appropriations Committee questioned the necessity and costs of the requested projects during a Wednesday meeting at the state Capitol.

The Wyoming Department of Health proposed "Bear Care," a state-run emergency insurance program designed to provide catastrophic and emergency medical coverage to individuals and small business groups in rural areas, as part of an application for approximately $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund. The program was presented to the legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on Monday, with department director Stefan Johansson describing it as a self-sustaining alternative to existing marketplace plans that would operate at cost after initial federal seed funding. House Appropriations Chair John Bear expressed concerns that the program represents inappropriate government competition in the insurance market, while other lawmakers requested additional explanation before determining their position on the proposal.

Governor Gordon is currently weighing a $100 million incentive package to bring BWXT's proposed TRISO fuel manufacturing facility to Campbell County in Gillette, Wyoming, with a decision expected around December 15. Energy Secretary Chris Wright toured the Idaho National Lab and publicly stated that the BWXT facility represents a "great company" and "great fuel technology" with a bright future in the nuclear industry. The BWXT proposal would establish nuclear fuel manufacturing capacity in Wyoming as part of the Trump administration's stated goal to advance nuclear energy development.

Governor Gordon's administration requested an additional $1 million in state funding to be added to a $3.3 million federal account for litigation and policy action related to natural resources, with the money designated to support Wyoming's interests in cases involving coal, natural gas, water rights, endangered species, and other federal policy matters. Gordon's staff, in coordination with the governors of Utah and Montana, pursued discussions with operators of the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal in California regarding potential export of Wyoming coal to Asian markets, specifically Taiwan and Japan, with state representatives estimating demand for approximately 20 million tons of coal annually. The administration also explored opportunities to export liquified natural gas to Asia for electricity generation as part of broader efforts to expand markets for Wyoming's fossil fuel industries.

Governor Gordon announced a 15 percent reduction in workers' compensation insurance premiums for Wyoming employers participating in the state program for the third consecutive year, resulting in combined annual savings of $66 million. Employers in good standing with three or more years in the program are eligible for additional savings. Gordon stated that the rate reduction would help employers invest in their workforce and strengthen operations across the state.

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso introduced Joint Resolution 130 in October 2025 to overturn the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Biden-era ban on new federal coal leasing in northeast Wyoming's Powder River Basin. The measure, which employs the Congressional Review Act to invalidate the BLM's Buffalo Field Office Resource Management Plan updated in December 2024, passed both the U.S. House and Senate in November 2025. The resolution seeks to restore federal coal leasing in a region containing one of North America's largest coal deposits and most productive coal mines.

Governor Gordon released an $11.1 billion budget proposal for Wyoming's next fiscal cycle that includes increased compensation for state workers, expanded wildfire-fighting resources, renovation of the veterans home in Buffalo, and $250 million in permanent savings. The proposal also directs state funds to cover reductions in federal SNAP benefits, increase support for developmentally disabled residents through waivers, and appropriate $9.3 million to the Department of Corrections for inmate housing costs. The budget recommendation proceeds to the Joint Appropriations Committee for consideration before the full Legislature convenes in February 2026.

Governor Gordon opposed the Bureau of Land Management's preferred alternative for the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, which would have designated 1.8 million acres as areas of critical environmental concern. Gordon appointed a task force to develop a proposal that would better balance Wyoming's energy development needs with other land uses. After the plan was finalized under the Biden administration in December 2024, it was placed on hold following President Trump's inauguration and reopened for revision in response to executive orders prioritizing energy development.

The Natrona County District Attorney's Office charged Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock with a misdemeanor for failing to appear at a September 2025 legislative hearing after being subpoenaed by Rep. Chris Knapp in his capacity as co-chair of the Joint Management Audit Committee. The subpoena required Hadlock to testify regarding her office's actions in the November 2024 election, which had involved a ballot miscount and subsequent false post-election audit. If convicted, Hadlock faces up to six months in jail and a $100 fine.

Governor Mark Gordon submitted Wyoming's application for up to $800 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new federal initiative created by President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The state's application, submitted in November 2025, prioritizes stabilizing hospitals, expanding preventative health services, developing the health care workforce, and using technology to improve access to care across rural areas. Wyoming will learn whether it has been selected for funding when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announces winners on December 31, 2025.

Governor Gordon issued an executive order on Friday declaring a public welfare emergency in response to the lapse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during a federal government shutdown affecting over 26,000 Wyoming residents. The executive order authorized the state to distribute up to $10 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account to charitable organizations and churches to provide food through food banks and pantries. Gordon stated that state officials anticipated spending approximately $1.4 million per week through this mechanism to address food insecurity during the SNAP funding gap.

Wyoming's investment portfolio generated $1.86 billion in earnings during the period covered in the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group report presented to the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee, surpassing the combined revenue from severance taxes and federal mineral royalties. Governor Gordon, in a statement regarding the state's investment performance, noted that the results reflected prior legislative decisions to adopt a more aggressive investment strategy and increase reserve amounts through the state treasurer's office. The investment earnings became Wyoming's largest single revenue source for the first time in state history, according to the CREG report.

Governor Gordon issued a statement in response to President Trump's announcement that Argentina would be allowed to quadruple its beef exports to the United States under a low-tariff quota. Gordon called for domestic solutions to address higher grocery prices that would increase U.S.-raised beef production rather than expanding reliance on cattle imports. Gordon stated that increasing reliance on cattle imports "is not the best answer for our ranchers, farmers, or U.S. consumers."

Governor Gordon attended a League of Women Voters town hall in Lander on October 23, 2025, where he discussed election integrity, civility in politics, and the definition of tyranny. When asked whether Wyoming has a voter election fraud problem, Gordon stated that county clerks do credible work managing elections and that while improvements are always possible, he does not observe significant fraud in the state. Gordon characterized Wyoming's election system, which places management authority at the local level, as one that works and includes provisions for examining anomalies and detecting fraud.

Governor Mark Gordon received four formal complaints in October 2025 regarding Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock, alleging she filed a false post-election audit following the 2024 general election and refused to comply with a legislative subpoena issued by the Management Audit Committee. This marked the second investigation Gordon initiated into Hadlock's actions related to the 2024 election, following his May 2025 decision that her errors did not rise to the level of misconduct or malfeasance sufficient for removal from office. The complaints were submitted by Weston County residents, including voter Susan Love, and were filed as the Wyoming Legislature's Management Audit Committee simultaneously pursued a court order to compel Hadlock's appearance before the panel.

Seven Hot Springs County residents filed a verified complaint with Governor Gordon's office in October 2025 requesting the removal of County Commissioners Bob Aguiar and Paul Galovich, alleging misconduct and malfeasance related to their handling of a disputed commercial operations permit for the Tipi Retreat campground. The complaint centers on the commissioners' actions in response to a district court order, with accusers contending the commissioners acted outside their authority and contrary to law. Gordon announced he would investigate the complaint after visiting Thermopolis to interview individuals involved in the dispute.

Rep. Christopher Knapp, chair of the Wyoming Management Audit Committee, announced on Tuesday that he would seek a court order to compel Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock to testify before a legislative subcommittee investigating mishandled elections in her office after she failed to appear for a September 29 subpoena. The subcommittee was established following Gov. Mark Gordon's spring and summer investigation into whether removal-from-office proceedings should be initiated against Hadlock, which he declined to pursue after determining her conduct did not constitute the "willful negligence" or "malicious intent" required under state law. Hadlock's failure to appear for the subpoena subjects her to potential criminal penalties of up to six months in jail and $100 in fines, with the Natrona County District Attorney's Office currently reviewing an investigative affidavit regarding potential criminal charges.

After Radiant Nuclear announced in October 2025 that it would build its microreactor manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee rather than in Wyoming, Governor Gordon characterized legislators who opposed the project as members of "Club No" and called their resistance a mistake that could harm the state's economic future. The company cited regulatory uncertainty and the Wyoming Legislature's joint interim Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee decision in July to table legislation allowing spent nuclear fuel storage as reasons for selecting Tennessee, where it will receive a $22.7 million tax break over 15 years. Gordon stated that Wyoming should embrace nuclear energy development and called for the state to remain open for business rather than being defined by opposition to industrial projects.

Wyoming Department of Health Deputy Director Franz Fuchs led an effort to solicit public input on how the state should allocate up to $800 million in federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program established through President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The department held 11 public meetings across the state and opened a public survey through Wednesday to gather resident priorities before submitting an application due November 5 to the federal program, which is designed to support rural hospitals and health care providers through funding dispersed over five years. Fuchs emphasized the importance of public engagement in the process, noting that the state would have limited opportunity to revise its application once submitted.

Federal officials indefinitely postponed a Wyoming coal lease sale scheduled for Wednesday following an unexpectedly low bid on a Montana federal coal lease. Navajo Transitional Energy Company, the sole bidder on the Spring Creek mine lease in Montana, offered $186,000 for 167 million tons of federal coal, a fraction of a penny per ton compared to approximately $1.10 per ton in a 2012 regional sale. The Bureau of Land Management and Interior Department are reviewing the Spring Creek bid and are expected to reschedule the West Antelope III coal lease sale in Wyoming.

The Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners, composed of Gov. Mark Gordon and four other state officials, voted 3-2 on October 3, 2025, to deny Prism Logistics' request to extend two mineral leases on state-owned school trust sections at the base of Casper Mountain. The board determined that Natrona County's subsequent zoning restrictions banning mining in the area and heavy truck traffic on county roads made the leases unworkable, preventing the company from obtaining necessary local and state authorizations. The denial followed the board's June 2025 rejection of Prism's earlier request to extend six additional leases in the same area.

Gordon appointed Amy Edmonds, a former state representative and former advisor to U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, to serve as communications director. Edmonds began work on Monday following the departure of former spokesman Michael Pearlman. She will work with the governor's policy and existing communications staffers on strategy, communications, and public outreach efforts.

Governor Gordon issued a statement supporting the Bureau of Land Management's decision to amend the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan and reopen it for public comment in October 2025. Gordon stated that the revision would allow the agency to address what he characterized as flaws in the December 2024 finalized plan without requiring the process to restart entirely. Gordon encouraged stakeholders impacted by the plan to participate in the public comment period.

The Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners voted 3-2 on October 1, 2025, to deny the renewal of mineral leases held by Prism Logistics on Casper Mountain, with the company's existing lease terms having expired on that date. The board's decision resulted in Prism Logistics no longer holding any of the eight leases it had previously maintained on the mountain. Prism Logistics CEO Kyle True stated after the meeting that he believed the board's decision was inappropriate and that the matter should have proceeded differently under state regulations.

Governor Gordon issued a statement during the federal shutdown crisis of October 2025, warning that federally funded contracts, programs, and employees could face cuts as a result of the lapse in appropriations. Gordon's statement aligned with other Wyoming Republicans in Congress, including U.S. Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who attributed the shutdown to Democratic opposition to a continuing resolution. The shutdown took effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, after stopgap measures failed to pass the Senate.

Governor Gordon stated Tuesday that exporting Wyoming coal to Asian markets could offset revenue losses resulting from federal royalty rates dropping from 12.5% to 7%, an estimated $50 million annual reduction to the state budget. Gordon acknowledged the Trump administration's federal coal expansion policies announced Monday, which include opening 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leasing and allocating $600 million in funding for coal plant recommissioning, while noting increased carbon dioxide emissions would accompany these measures. Gordon also identified artificial intelligence and data centers as significant economic opportunities for Wyoming, citing the state's geographic advantages for cooling such facilities.

Governor Gordon participated in a September 2025 event in Washington, D.C. where the Trump administration announced a $625 million coal spending package that includes retrofitting coal plants, opening 13.1 million federal acres to coal leasing, and reducing federal regulations on the coal industry. Gordon stated that the administration's coal initiatives would help level the playing field for coal production and indicated his preference for managing energy production without using regulation to curtail particular types of energy generation. The package was presented as a response to electricity demands from the artificial intelligence industry and represented a reversal of what Gordon characterized as restrictive Biden administration policies toward coal.

Gordon attended a Monday announcement in Washington, D.C., alongside Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, where the Trump administration announced a $625 million Department of Energy investment in coal-fired plants and mining, along with the opening of 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leases. Gordon stated in a Monday statement that extending the life of coal-fired power plants benefits consumers, grid reliability, and coal communities, and that Wyoming is positioned to benefit from these policies. Gordon indicated that the announcement represents implementation of provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and represents what he characterized as balanced federal land management and multi-use access for energy production.

Governor Gordon issued a proclamation in September 2025 declaring September as Suicide Awareness Month in Wyoming. Gordon stated that Wyoming consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for suicide rates, with 131 deaths by suicide recorded in 2022, and noted that the state has underdeveloped healthcare systems and long response times that contribute to the problem. Gordon indicated that he has hosted town halls across Wyoming to listen, learn, and share resources related to suicide prevention and mental health care.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Jackson Hole Classical Academy on Thursday as part of a 50-state tour promoting the Trump administration's position that education oversight should be returned to the states. Governor Gordon, present at the event, stated that national education prescriptions developed for places like New York City are difficult to apply in Wyoming. State Democrats criticized the visit as cherry-picking a high-achieving private school that does not represent Wyoming's public education system as a whole.

The Trump administration expedited approval of the Black Butte coal mine expansion in southwest Wyoming, completing an environmental review in under 30 days rather than the typical two-year timeline. The approval grants the mine access to an additional 9.2 million tons of federal coal, extending mining operations through 2039. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the expedited review under President Trump's executive orders on unleashing American energy and reinvigorating the coal industry.

Governor Gordon signed Senate File 69 in March, which established a permanent 25% property tax exemption for the first $1 million of value on single-family homes. The legislation did not include provisions to reimburse local jurisdictions for the resulting revenue loss. Local government officials have subsequently reported difficulty maintaining services due to the revenue shortfall created by the tax reduction.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a document on August 30, 2025, at the Wyoming State Capitol approving the state's coal combustion residuals permit program. The approval grants Wyoming primacy to regulate its own coal ash disposal in surface impoundments and landfills, a responsibility previously managed by the federal EPA since 2015. Wyoming became the fifth state to receive such primacy over coal combustion residuals programs.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency's proposal to grant primacy of the Coal Combustion Residuals program to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, transferring federal oversight of toxic coal ash storage and remediation at coal-fired power plants to state regulators. The announcement occurred at a press conference at the Wyoming Capitol attended by Governor Mark Gordon, EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western, and other state officials. The transfer represents a shift toward what Zeldin characterized as "cooperative federalism," under which states assume regulatory authority historically exercised by federal agencies.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a letter at the Wyoming Capitol on August 28, 2025, recommending that Wyoming be granted authority to manage its own coal combustion residuals program rather than have it regulated by the federal EPA. The letter signing initiates a 60-day comment period on the recommendation, which would make Wyoming the fifth state to administer its Coal Combustion Residuals Program independently. Zeldin stated that state governments possess expertise in managing their own affairs and that the federal agency should defer to Wyoming's regulatory capacity.

Governor Mark Gordon announced on August 13 that he was authorizing the activation of up to 15 Wyoming National Guard members to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in a support role providing logistics, transportation, and administrative functions beginning in late August. The Wyoming National Guard had previously expended approximately $250,000 in federal funds to provide security at President Trump's inauguration in January, for which the Guard was awaiting reimbursement. Wyoming's adjutant general indicated that both the unreimbursed inauguration mission and the ICE support activation were creating budget pressures on the Guard's readiness accounts, as neither mission had been previously programmed into the military department's federal funding allocation.

Wyoming launched the Frontier Stable Token on August 19, 2025, becoming the first state to issue its own digital currency backed by U.S. dollars and short-term Treasury bills. Governor Mark Gordon, as chairman of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, announced the launch following years of legislative and regulatory work, stating that the token would provide citizens and businesses with secure digital transaction capabilities. The token became available through Wyoming-based digital asset exchange Kraken on multiple blockchain networks including Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, with interest accrued from Treasury investments directed to the state's school foundation program on a quarterly basis.

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis expressed support for a presidential pardon for Troy Lake, a 65-year-old Wyoming mechanic serving a one-year federal sentence for conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by deleting emissions systems from diesel engines. Lummis's communications advisor stated that the senator believes the prosecution represented a miscarriage of justice. Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman also called for Trump to pardon Lake, stating that the punishment did not fit the crime and that Lake was treated differently than others engaged in similar conduct.

U.S. Rep. Hageman stated during a July 2025 town hall meeting in Pinedale that she is "strongly in support of repealing the endangerment finding," the 2009 determination that classified greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Hageman characterized the endangerment finding as "absolutely based upon false science" and stated that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant. Her remarks drew audible disapproval from the assembled crowd of Sublette County residents.

Wyoming lawmakers on the legislative Judiciary Committee voted to reject a proposed constitutional amendment that would have required state Senate confirmation of Wyoming Supreme Court nominees on Tuesday. The amendment had been drafted in response to high-profile judicial decisions, including a ruling by Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens on abortion rights and a decision by Laramie County District Court Judge Peter Froelicher regarding education funding. The resolution failed on a narrow 3-2 vote among Senate committee members, with Committee Co-Chair Jared Olsen and Republican Senators Barry Crago and Gary Crum voting no, despite support from some House committee members and Senate colleagues.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, under direction of the Trump administration, approved the West Antelope II South Tract Mining Plan Modification, making 14.5 million tons of federal coal available for extraction in Wyoming's Powder River Basin. The approval allows the Antelope mine, operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, to continue mining operations westward toward Highway 59 in Converse County. The action implements Trump administration executive orders aimed at expanding domestic coal production and aligns with the Big Beautiful Bill, which also reduces the federal mineral royalty rate from 12.5 percent to 7 percent.

The Trump administration's Department of the Interior approved a mining plan modification for the Antelope Mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, authorizing the extraction of 14.5 million additional tons of federally owned coal. The approval extends the mine's operations through 2037 and maintains 359 full-time positions at the facility operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company. Governor Gordon joined the Wyoming delegation in responding to the decision.

Governor Gordon announced the deployment of Wyoming National Guard members to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants as part of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement effort. A spokesman for Gordon confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that the state was still determining the specifics of the deployment, including the number of troops involved, the nature of their duties, and whether they would operate within Wyoming or be deployed to another state. Key details about the exact scope and duration of the National Guard's participation remained undecided pending additional information from federal partners.

Governor Gordon appeared at the Wyoming statehouse to announce a pilot program implementing remote mental health counseling for law enforcement responses to mental health-related calls. The program, funded by a $2.4 million grant from a charitable foundation, provides officers with access to trained clinicians via tablet technology to assist during crisis encounters. As of the announcement in August 2025, the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office and police departments in Green River, Rock Springs, and Lusk were actively using the system, with additional sheriff's and police departments in training to participate.

Governor Gordon announced a $2.4 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police during a news conference to support law enforcement response to mental health crisis calls. The grant will fund virtual crisis care services across Wyoming over the next two and a half years. Several counties have already begun implementing the virtual services, with additional counties in the process of adopting the system.

Governor Gordon agreed to deploy Wyoming National Guard members to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in detention and deportation operations as part of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement effort. Gordon was among approximately 20 Republican governors who consented to the president's request to utilize National Guard troops for immigration enforcement duties. Key details of the deployment, including the number of troops, specific duties, and whether personnel would serve in Wyoming or another state, remained under determination as Gordon's office coordinated with federal partners.

Wyoming Highway Patrol entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement operations in five counties, with one to two trained troopers from each county authorized to make arrests on ICE's behalf following 40-hour online training. Col. Tim Cameron stated the program would begin with limited participation and that arrests would require observation of violations of Wyoming law and direction from ICE. The agreement expands existing ICE partnerships in the state, as sheriffs in the same five counties have previously signed agreements allowing them to detain undocumented immigrants pending federal pickup.

A Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee vote on the "Low carbon energy standards-repeal" draft bill failed to advance on July 29, 2025, with seven of eight House representatives voting in favor of repeal while only one of five senators supported the measure. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Knapp, sought to eliminate Wyoming's coal carbon capture mandate, which Knapp stated imposed increasing costs on ratepayers without resulting in retrofitted coal plants. Knapp indicated he would reintroduce the measure as a personal bill in the upcoming legislative session.

Wyoming lawmakers voted down a draft bill on Tuesday that would have repealed the state's Reliable and Dispatchable Low-Carbon Energy Standards and House Bill 200 from 2020, which requires utilities to evaluate carbon capture technology on their coal plants. Gordon's office submitted testimony opposing the repeal, stating that the current law is effective and should be given more time to produce results, and noting that HB 200 requires utilities to analyze the costs and benefits of carbon capture to extend the life of coal-fired plants. The action occurred the same day that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposal to repeal the 2009 "Endangerment Finding," an Obama-era rule that serves as the legal basis for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations under the Clean Air Act.

Wyoming Gov. Gordon announced that the Wyoming Highway Patrol has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to participate in the 287(g) program. Under this agreement, state troopers will be granted the ability to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE's oversight while conducting their regular duties. The agreement was formalized approximately six months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with individual states to work with ICE under its 287(g) program.

On July 11, 2025, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for Ramaco Resources' Brook Mine at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains alongside U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and other state and federal officials. The Brook Mine, which could become the second rare earth mineral extraction operation in the United States, is projected to begin operations in 2027 and will extract minerals including scandium, gallium, germanium, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium and dysprosium from coal deposits. The minerals are essential components in technologies including solar cells, wind turbines, batteries, semiconductors and military applications, though the mine's commercial viability depends on domestic market demand for rare earth elements.

Gov. Mark Gordon announced that the Wyoming Highway Patrol entered into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist with federal immigration enforcement while performing regular duties. Under the agreement, Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers are authorized to take action and develop evidence when encountering people violating federal immigration laws, with access to ICE databases and training provided at no cost to the state. The highway patrol will coordinate with five Wyoming county sheriff's offices that have established similar agreements with ICE.

Gordon stated that Wyoming can educate students more effectively than federal agencies and expressed support for increased state and local control over education policy. Gordon was recently named chairman of the Education Commission of the States and characterized the shift toward state autonomy in education as aligned with President Trump's efforts to reduce the Department of Education's regulatory authority. Gordon cited examples of local education initiatives in Wyoming, such as internship programs in Meeteetse and flexible scheduling in Upton, as evidence that states and communities are better positioned than federal agencies to determine educational approaches.

Wyoming enacted a law invalidating driver's licenses issued by Connecticut and Delaware to undocumented immigrants. The Laramie County Sheriff's Office advised deputies to limit enforcement of the law, citing concerns that implementation could violate constitutional rights and create resource-intensive litigation. County attorneys recommended that the department only cite or arrest undocumented immigrants using such licenses in cases involving other infractions or offenses.

Energy Secretary Wright attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Ramaco's Brook Mine in Wyoming on July 11, 2025, marking the opening of the first new rare earth mine in the United States in 70 years. During the event, Wright stated that Wyoming coal remains central to America's energy future and characterized certain energy policies as economically misguided. Wright's visit reflected the Trump administration's stated priority on expanding domestic energy production and mineral extraction.

Gordon attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11, 2025, for the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming, marking the opening of the first U.S. rare earth mine in 70 years and Wyoming's first new coal mine in nearly 50 years. The mine extracts rare earth elements directly from coal through Ramaco Resources' operations. Gordon appeared alongside U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other state and federal officials at the event.

Gordon defended his "all-of-the-above" energy platform during an appearance on the Cowboy State Daily Show, stating that Wyoming supplies coal to 22 states and exports more than 60 percent of its energy outside the state. Gordon acknowledged the importance of West Coast coal exports and indicated the state was working to move energy resources to coastal facilities. The comments came as the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal received a legal victory that could enable Wyoming coal exports to Asia.

Senator Cynthia Lummis sponsored the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, federal legislation that would expand Wyoming's investment options for its $5.4 billion education trust fund by modifying restrictions imposed under the state's 1890 Act of Admission. The bill would allow the state to invest principal funds in addition to accrued interest while maintaining existing protections for the permanent trust fund structure and leaving land disposal policies unchanged. State officials stated the legislation could increase annual investment returns from approximately 5 percent to 8.3 percent without requiring tax increases or reducing the principal fund.

Governor Gordon stated that he worked closely with Wyoming's congressional delegation on the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a nearly 800-page legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Trump, highlighting provisions of particular importance to Wyoming residents and the state's economy. Gordon identified specific provisions in the bill including the lifting of a ban on coal leasing and a rollback of royalty rates on coal, oil, and gas as beneficial to industries critical to Wyoming's fiscal health. Critics in Wyoming and the Mountain West contended that the legislation would have negative consequences for climate, democracy, the clean energy economy, and public health.

U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a multitrillion-dollar tax and spending package that passed the House on July 3, 2025, by a vote of 218-214. The legislation preserves tax cuts from Trump's first term, authorizes a $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling, and includes increases in military and border security spending along with incentives for oil, gas, and coal industries. Hageman stated that the bill constituted "a major win for Wyoming and the entire nation" by delivering on what she characterized as priorities including secure borders, energy independence, and lower taxes.

Governor Mark Gordon's senior policy advisor Curtis Biggs presented data to the Legislature's Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee showing declining birth rates across Wyoming hospitals in Casper, Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Cody, Douglas, and Lander, with four additional hospitals having closed birthing facilities in recent years. Biggs identified Central Wyoming as experiencing the most acute maternity care gap, with SageWest Hospital in Lander serving as the primary birthing facility for a large area of Fremont and Sublette counties while experiencing concerning declines in deliveries. Lawmakers are considering potential remedies including increased Medicaid payments to providers, enhanced provider recruitment programs, and regulatory changes to address the widening gaps in maternity care across the state.

Governor Gordon appointed Keith Kautz, a retired Wyoming Supreme Court justice, to serve as the state's attorney general, effective immediately following his mandatory retirement from the bench at age 70 in March 2024. Kautz will assume the position as Wyoming's chief legal officer and lead litigator during ongoing litigation over the state's abortion restrictions, including two bans enacted by the legislature in 2023. The appointment represents an exchange in which Bridget Hill, the previous attorney general, was appointed by Gordon to fill the Wyoming Supreme Court seat vacated by retired Chief Justice Kate Fox.

On June 17, the Wyoming State Building Commission adopted rules allowing concealed carry in most state government buildings in preparation for a law taking effect on July 1 that repeals gun-free zones in government facilities. Governor Gordon had sought to implement the concealed carry policy through the building commission's rule-making process but did not block the adoption of the rules. The Legislature passed the repeal bill with a veto-proof majority after Gordon vetoed a previous version in 2024, with the Senate voting 25-6 and the House voting 50-10 in favor.

The Casper City Council amended its rules to conform to a 2024 Wyoming legislative bill sponsored by State Representative Jeremy Haroldson that eliminated most gun-free zones in public buildings throughout the state. The bill allows for lawful concealed carry of firearms in government buildings, public schools, public colleges and universities, and other public facilities, with limited exceptions. Governor Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature in 2024, and the new city rules take effect July 1 to comply with the state mandate.

Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Friday that he appointed Christy Clark, the Montana Department of Agriculture Director, to lead Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Clark, who has served as Department of Agriculture director since 2022 and previously held multiple positions within that agency, succeeds Dustin Temple, whose retirement Gianforte announced the previous month. Clark is a former Republican state representative from Choteau who served three terms in the Montana House of Representatives.

Cameron Wright, former dean of the University of Wyoming's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, filed a lawsuit in Albany County District Court on June 12, 2025, seeking reinstatement to his position after being demoted on April 1 following a vote by the UW Board of Trustees. Wright claims the demotion constituted illegal retaliation under Wyoming state law prohibiting employers from penalizing employees who report law or policy violations in good faith, alleging he was demoted after refusing to redirect state funds earmarked for engineering education to support a computing school. The university stated it demoted Wright due to his lack of a cogent plan to elevate the engineering college to nationally recognized levels of excellence.

The Trump administration announced plans to repeal greenhouse gas emissions standards for the power sector and Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxins Standards that applied to coal-fired power plants. Governor Gordon issued a statement welcoming the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan Version 2, stating that the Biden administration's emissions policies had harmed the nation's power supply and energy reliability. The action removes federal regulatory requirements that utilities previously cited as reasons for retiring coal-fired power plants.

The Bureau of Land Management released a supplemental environmental review on Friday addressing groundwater modeling concerns raised by a federal court for the 5,000-well Converse County Oil and Gas Project in Wyoming. The BLM report concluded that no significant new impacts to groundwater resources were identified following the additional analysis. Governor Gordon responded favorably to the announcement, stating that the BLM's action represented "a step in the right direction" and expressing hope that the court would agree the corrected data would allow the project to resume.

The Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners voted not to renew six of eight gravel mining leases held by Prism Logistics near Casper Mountain on June 5, 2025. Governor Mark Gordon was present at the vote but did not cast a ballot after the motion to deny renewal, based on the company's failure to obtain adequate licensing and permits, had already secured sufficient votes for passage. The decision followed a Natrona County Commission vote to restrict heavy truck traffic on county roads that would have provided the only access to the leased lands.

Governor Gordon vetoed Senate File 103, "Terminating and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion," which would have prohibited public institutions from accepting private donations designated for DEI efforts. The bill sought to restrict funding sources for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Wyoming's public universities. Gordon's veto prevented the legislation from taking effect, allowing private funding for such programs to continue.

Governor Gordon concluded an investigation into Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock's administration of the 2024 elections and declined to commence removal proceedings, despite finding that Hadlock certified incorrect ballot printings, failed to destroy false ballots, and delivered false ballots to polling places on election day. Gordon determined that Hadlock lacked malicious intent and therefore declined to refer the matter to district court, and did not address in his decision a criminal referral filed by Secretary of State Chuck Gray on March 10, 2025, which alleged Hadlock submitted a false post-election audit report in violation of Wyoming Law W.S. 22-26-121. The criminal investigation and prosecution authority over the alleged election code violations remains with the Attorney General's office under W.S. 22-26-121(a).

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, which limited the scope of environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for major infrastructure projects. The Court ruled that federal agencies need not consider environmental effects of projects that are separate in time or place from the infrastructure project under review, such as downstream oil refining effects from an upstream railroad project. Gordon stated the ruling addressed what he characterized as the misuse of environmental law and that Wyoming had filed an amicus brief supporting the petitioners in the case.

Wyoming enacted Senate Enrolled Act No. 20, titled "Residential Property Removal of Unlawful Occupant," which took effect in summer 2025. The law grants property owners and law enforcement immediate authority to remove individuals unlawfully occupying residential property without following standard eviction procedures. The legislation was prompted by incidents in which property owners discovered unauthorized occupants in their homes after tenants vacated.

Governor Mark Gordon determined that Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock's errors in administering the 2024 elections, while serious, did not meet the legal threshold of misconduct or malfeasance required to recommend her removal from office. Hadlock's actions included mishandling election ballots, improperly testing voting machines, using incorrect ballots that required hand recounts, and causing a significant undercount of votes. Gordon concluded that the decision regarding the clerk's tenure should be left to Weston County voters in the next election rather than pursued through the removal process outlined in state statute.

Governor Mark Gordon rejected Secretary of State Chuck Gray's call to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office following election administration errors in the 2024 general election that affected multiple races. Gordon concluded in a decision letter that while Hadlock made serious mistakes in ballot formatting and distribution, her actions did not constitute misconduct or malfeasance under state precedent standards for removal proceedings. Gordon stated he did not believe there was sufficient evidence to pursue court-ordered removal and cited respect for local electoral authority in declining to intervene.

The State Board of Land Commissioners voted 4-1 in April 2025 to approve state land leases for the Pronghorn and Sidewinder wind and solar projects in eastern Wyoming, which Focus Clean Energy plans to use for producing hydrogen jet fuel. The company has begun making lease payments that generate revenue for public education and has committed $1.7 billion in private investment across the two projects over their estimated 35-year lifespans. The projects require additional approvals from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Industrial Siting Division and Siting Council before proceeding to permitting.

Governor Mark Gordon appointed Bridget Hill to the Wyoming Supreme Court on April 11, 2025, selecting her from a slate of three nominees to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Kate Fox. Hill, who has served as Wyoming Attorney General since 2019, will be unable to participate in approximately half of the cases before the court for six to nine months due to her prior representation of the state as attorney. During this period, district court judges will be assigned to hear cases in which Hill has conflicts, while the Wyoming Supreme Court continues its regular docket.

In February 2025, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 156, which requires individuals to provide proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, with the law set to take effect in July 2025. Governor Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature. The Equality State Policy Center filed a federal lawsuit in May 2025 challenging the constitutionality of the law, arguing it imposes an undue burden on voting rights and is unconstitutionally vague, while Secretary of State Chuck Gray announced his intention to vigorously defend the law in court.

Governor Gordon allowed House Bill 156, which requires voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and 30 days of Wyoming residency, to become law without his signature in 2025. Gordon stated he did not sign the bill due to legal concerns, noting that the law "adheres to neither the original construction of our Constitution nor federal law" and citing Wyoming's existing strong election integrity record. The Equality State Policy Center subsequently filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of HB 156, alleging the law places an undue burden on the right to vote and is unconstitutionally vague.

Wyoming Secretary of State Gray expressed support for 22 election-reform bills during a legislative committee meeting in Lander on Thursday. The Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee selected 10 of these bills for further study, including measures to require photo identification for voting, implement random hand count audits, prohibit ballot drop boxes, and establish poll watcher protections. The bills under consideration range from shifting to pen-and-paper ballots as the default voting method to clarifying procedures for testing voting machines.

In February 2025, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 156, which requires voters to provide proof of residency and U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and establishes a 30-day residency requirement before voting. Governor Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature. The Secretary of State is conducting a public comment period, open until June 20, to develop implementing rules, after which Gordon will review the proposed regulations.

Governor Gordon addressed approximately 350 attendees at the Next Frontier Energy Summit in Laramie on May 6, 2025, where he discussed Wyoming's role in nuclear power development and low-carbon fossil fuel investments backed by the current presidential administration. Gordon stated that Wyoming's regulatory pathways and investor confidence in carbon reduction technologies for fossil fuels are now aligning with national market conditions and federal policies. He modified his previous "all-of-the-above" energy strategy to emphasize the "best of all-of-the-above," describing a diversified energy portfolio including renewables, fossil fuels, and nuclear power generation.

On January 20, a coalition of 18 attorneys general from mostly politically blue states filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts U.S. District Court challenging Trump's Wind Directive, which halts the issuance of new or renewed federal permits, rights of way, leases, and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects pending completion of a comprehensive review. The Wind Directive orders the heads of relevant federal agencies to suspend their congressionally imposed responsibilities regarding wind energy development on public lands. The plaintiff states assert that their states have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in wind energy development and transmission infrastructure, and that the directive has effectively stopped most wind energy development on federal land.

Governor Gordon stated at a press conference that he views President Trump's tariff policies as creating economic opportunity for Wyoming, particularly highlighting a trade mission to Japan and Taiwan where he discussed increased U.S. energy purchases to address trade deficits. Gordon identified potential benefits to mineral commodities and manufacturing industries within the state as a result of the tariff environment. A University of Wyoming economist countered that the tariff policies would have detrimental short-term effects on the state's economy, including impacts on soda ash exports, agriculture, tourism, and natural resource extraction industries.

Bryan Miller, a Sheridan resident and former Sheridan County Republican Party chairman, was elected chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a state central committee meeting in Cody. Miller defeated Jackson resident Rebecca Bextel by a vote of 42-32. Miller stated he would work to improve relationships between the state party and the state Legislature and increase party unity through the Republican Party platform.

Western, the regional EPA Administrator for the Denver office, approved an aquifer exemption for the Lost Creek uranium mine operated by Ur-Energy in south-central Wyoming's Battle Springs Formation. The exemption determination, made in coordination with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, concluded that the aquifer containing uranium is not a current and will not serve as a future source of drinking water. This approval allows Lost Creek ISR, LLC to expand underground in-situ recovery mining operations in the Great Divide Basin after years of regulatory review and environmental baseline data collection.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed a three-state nuclear energy compact with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Idaho Gov. Brad Little at the Built Here Nuclear Energy Summit in Draper, Utah in May 2025. The agreement established a regional partnership to coordinate energy policy and increase investment in nuclear power development across the three states. The compact positioned Wyoming as central to the region's nuclear expansion, particularly given the TerraPower small modular reactor project under development near Kemmerer.

Governor Gordon participated in a trade mission to Taiwan and Japan in April 2025, meeting with business and ministry officials to discuss exports of Wyoming coal and natural gas as well as carbon capture technology partnerships. Gordon stated that Taiwan officials expressed interest in Powder River coal to comprise approximately 20 percent of their energy mix, and that both markets rely heavily on energy imports. Gordon indicated that strengthening these international relationships could support efforts to construct coal and natural gas export terminals, including potential revival of the Millennium Bulk Terminal and Jordan Cove terminal projects.

Governor Gordon appointed Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill to the Wyoming Supreme Court on April 11, 2025, to fill the seat vacated by retiring Chief Justice Kate Fox. Hill, who has served as attorney general since 2019 and was previously director of the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, was selected from three candidates nominated by the Judicial Nominating Commission. Hill will assume her position on the bench on May 28, 2025, while Justice Lynne Boomgarten will become Chief Justice.

Governor Mark Gordon attended the White House on April 9, 2025, where President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders directing federal agencies to remove regulatory barriers to coal production and prioritize coal leasing on federal lands. The orders directed the Bureau of Land Management to designate coal resources as a primary land use, granted utilities authority to extend the operation of coal-burning power plants scheduled for retirement, and exempted coal plants from federal emissions requirements for two years. Gordon issued a statement characterizing the orders as beneficial to Wyoming's coal industry and the nation's energy demand.

Barrasso and Lummis voted against a budget amendment introduced by Senator John Hickenlooper that would have prohibited the federal government from using proceeds from public land sales to reduce the federal deficit. The amendment failed, allowing the Trump administration budget reconciliation process to potentially include revenue from public land sales. Both senators did not respond to requests for comment regarding their votes.

House Bill 156, sponsored by Rep. John Bear, became law in Wyoming without Gov. Mark Gordon's signature. The bill requires voters to demonstrate proof of United States citizenship and Wyoming residency, and establishes a 30-day residency period prior to voter registration. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray identified the citizenship and residency verification measures as priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session.

House Bill 156, sponsored by Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, requires people to reside in Wyoming for 30 days prior to registering to vote and mandates proof of United States citizenship and Wyoming residency for voter registration. The bill became law without Governor Gordon's signature in March 2025, making Wyoming the first state in the nation to apply proof of citizenship requirements to all elections.

Governor Mark Gordon signed legislation requiring Wellspring, Wyoming's only abortion clinic, to obtain licensure as an ambulatory surgical center, a classification that subjects the facility to Department of Health inspections and building code requirements. Gordon also vetoed a second bill requiring a transvaginal ultrasound and 48-hour waiting period before abortion medication could be dispensed, but the Wyoming Legislature voted to override his veto and the measure became law. Doctors, nurses, and abortion providers have filed a lawsuit in Natrona County seeking to block both laws from taking effect, with the case previously dismissed by a Teton County judge and currently pending a ruling on an emergency injunction request.

Governor Gordon allowed a bill establishing proof of citizenship and residency requirements for voter registration to become law without his signature on March 21, 2025. Gordon expressed concerns about the bill's 30-day durational residency requirement in a letter to Secretary of State Chuck Gray, stating the requirement conflicted with both the Wyoming Constitution and federal law. The legislation, set to take effect in July 2025, makes Wyoming one of the few states to require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Governor Gordon signed House Bill 144 on Tuesday, which prohibits any Wyoming city, town, or county from declaring itself a sanctuary jurisdiction that would prevent reporting illegal immigration to federal officials. The bill became effective immediately upon Gordon's signature. This legislation was the final immigration-related bill Gordon considered during the 2025 legislative session, following his earlier signature on measures requiring immigrant driver's licenses to be labeled "non-citizen" and allowing a second bill to become law without his signature regarding law enforcement and immigration status reporting.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon vetoed Senate File 196 on March 19, 2025, legislation sponsored by Senator Tim Salazar that sought to amend 2022 gun rights protections. Gordon conducted the veto publicly surrounded by Wyoming law enforcement officials who supported the action, marking the first time he has publicly vetoed a bill in his tenure. Gordon stated the bill would impair law enforcement's ability to cooperate with federal task forces and enforce federal laws, though he affirmed his general support for Second Amendment rights.

Gordon requested $130 million in supplemental funding for wildfire recovery efforts in Wyoming following the 2024 wildfire season that burned 850,000 acres. The Legislature passed Senate File 152 and Senate File 195, providing approximately $49 million in grants and up to $25 million in loans respectively, totaling slightly more than half of the requested amount. Gordon allowed Senate File 195 to become law without his signature while noting his preference for grants over loans as the more appropriate mechanism for landscape-scale restoration.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon vetoed Senate File 145 on March 19, 2025, legislation sponsored by Senator Tim Salazar that sought to strengthen Wyoming law regarding Second Amendment rights. Gordon stated the bill would severely impact law enforcement's ability to assist with federal task forces and enforce federal laws, including those related to human trafficking, drug cartels, and immigration. The veto marked the first time Gordon has publicly rejected such legislation, and it received support from Wyoming law enforcement officials who spoke in favor of the veto.

Governor Gordon listed grazing leases with the state in his annual financial disclosure form filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State's office as required by the Wyoming Ethics and Disclosure Act. The disclosure forms, due annually by January 31, require elected officials in Wyoming's executive branch and all members of the legislature to report financial interests and contracts with the state exceeding $5,000 to help prevent conflicts of interest. Officials convicted of violating the Ethics and Disclosure Act face fines up to $1,000 and removal from office.

Governor Gordon vetoed Senate File 125, legislation that would declare abortion is not health care except in cases of rape, incest, or to save a mother's life. Gordon stated in his veto letter that the bill largely reiterated the 2023 abortion bans and that the Wyoming Legislature overstepped its authority by attempting to define what constitutes health care through statute rather than allowing the courts to interpret the Wyoming Constitution. Gordon cited the pending Wyoming Supreme Court case challenging the 2023 abortion bans, noting that signing the bill would extend legal battles and create confusion, and that the courts rather than legislators bear responsibility for constitutional interpretation.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed Senate Enrolled Act 92, a bill designed to ban abortion in Wyoming through a trigger mechanism that would activate upon a Wyoming Supreme Court ruling against the state's 2023 abortion ban. Gordon stated in his veto letter that the legislation would create redundant legal challenges, add complexity to ongoing litigation, and inappropriately attempt to supersede the judicial branch by defining what constitutes health care. Gordon indicated he believed it more prudent to await the court's decision on the constitutionality of the existing 2023 ban before pursuing additional legislative measures.

The University of Wyoming terminated its partnership with The Ph.D. Project following a U.S. Department of Education investigation into the university's alleged participation in race-exclusionary practices in graduate programs. The Department of Education launched investigations into 45 universities, including the University of Wyoming, after determining that The Ph.D. Project limited eligibility based on race, which the agency stated violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act under the Trump administration's interpretation of civil rights law. University officials stated they would comply with the investigation and had already discontinued the partnership as part of a comprehensive review undertaken to eliminate university practices that promote differential treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray urged Governor Gordon to sign House Bill 136, legislation that would require proof of United States citizenship and Wyoming residency to vote in state elections. The bill passed both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature during the 2025 General Session and represents Gray's priority election integrity reform agenda. Gray stated the measure would strengthen Wyoming's voter registration statutes and prevent ineligible voters from participating in state elections.

Governor Gordon's attorneys filed a motion requesting that a lawsuit challenging Wyoming's new abortion restrictions be transferred from Teton County District Court to Natrona County District Court, arguing the case had been improperly refiled to seek a more favorable judge. Judge Melissa Owens scheduled a hearing for March 21 to decide Gordon's venue change motion, which delayed consideration of the abortion providers' request for a temporary restraining order against the new abortion laws. The halt on abortions at Wyoming's only full-service abortion clinic consequently remained in effect for at least another week pending the outcome of the venue dispute.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined on March 10, 2025, to hear a petition filed by Wyoming and 18 other states seeking to block climate-related lawsuits filed by California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island against oil and gas companies in state courts. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, through a spokesman, issued a statement characterizing the lawsuits as repeated efforts to harm Wyoming's energy industries and expressed appreciation for the state attorney general's involvement in the case. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented from the court's decision, arguing that the Supreme Court should have accepted jurisdiction over the dispute between states.

Governor Mark Gordon used a line-item veto on Senate Enrolled Act 62 to remove a provision that would have defunded his $152 million Energy Matching Funds and Large Project Energy Matching Funds programs. The programs provide matching funds for projects related to carbon capture, hydrogen production, renewable energy, and other energy technologies. Gordon redirected funding from the state's general fund to cover wildfire mitigation loans that the defunding provision had attempted to finance through the energy accounts.

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray called for the removal of the Weston County Clerk from office, characterizing her conduct following the 2024 elections as rising to the level of "misconduct and malfeasance." Gray submitted a document recommending the clerk's removal to Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill, Weston County Attorney Michael Stulken, and Governor Mark Gordon's office. Gordon's office opened an investigation to verify complaints from eight qualified electors of Weston County alleging acts of misconduct or malfeasance by the clerk and requesting her removal from office.

In January 2025, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act in collaboration with fellow Wyoming legislators Senator John Barrasso, Montana Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, and Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. The bill would remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species List and transfer management of grizzly bear populations to the states. The legislation preserves federal oversight for population monitoring while granting states increased flexibility in managing grizzly populations.

Gordon vetoed legislation that would have mandated transvaginal ultrasounds before women could be prescribed abortion pills, stating in his veto message that the procedure was "intimate, personally invasive, and often medically unnecessary" and could retraumatize sexual abuse survivors. The Wyoming legislature overrode Gordon's veto, making the bill law. Gordon had previously signed separate legislation regulating the state's only surgical abortion clinic.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray filed a request on March 10, 2025, with the governor and attorney general to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, citing misconduct and malfeasance related to her handling of post-election audits following the 2024 general election. Gray alleged that Hadlock submitted a post-election audit report showing no discrepancies when her sample audit should have identified 21 ballots with errors, and that she either failed to perform the audit or knowingly submitted false information. Governor Mark Gordon stated he would consider the request but declined to comment on the active investigation.

Gordon signed legislation into law that permits individuals to sue the state if they encounter a person of a different biological sex in gender-designated restrooms or changing rooms in public facilities. The Wyoming Legislature overrode Gordon's veto of a bill requiring women to obtain ultrasounds before obtaining abortion pills. Gordon also faced a veto decision on a bill banning sanctuary city immigration policies in Wyoming, which awaited his signature or rejection following legislative approval.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed House Bill 64, "Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement," which mandates that patients seeking abortion medications undergo a transvaginal ultrasound and observe a 48-hour waiting period. Gordon cited the procedure's invasive nature and the bill's lack of exceptions for victims of rape and incest in his veto letter. The Wyoming Senate voted 22-9 on Wednesday to override Gordon's veto, meeting the required two-thirds threshold, and the bill went into effect immediately.

Governor Gordon vetoed House Enrolled Act 35, legislation requiring women to obtain an ultrasound at least 48 hours before receiving abortion pills, which Gordon characterized as personally invasive and medically unnecessary. The Wyoming Legislature overrode Gordon's veto on March 5, 2025, with the Senate voting 22-9 and the House voting 45-16 to pass the bill into law. HEA 35 applies only to medication abortion and requires women to pay for the ultrasound procedure, with no exemptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

Wyoming House Bill 133, which cleared its final legislative hurdle on March 5, 2025, prohibits all state and local governments from enacting policies that restrict their employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement authorities such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill was sent to Governor Gordon's desk, where he has 15 days to sign, veto, or allow it to pass without his signature. Under the bill's provisions, Wyoming residents could file legal action to compel local governments to reverse any sanctuary-style policies that limit immigration enforcement cooperation.

Governor Gordon signed Senate File 69, the Homeowner Property Tax Exemption, which provides a 25% property tax exemption on the first $1 million of a single-family home's fair market value with no sunset date and takes effect immediately. Gordon stated the legislation provides permanent property tax relief to homeowners without transferring burden to the energy industry. Gordon vetoed Senate File 103, the Terminating and Defunding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion bill, citing concerns about local control over institutional policy decisions.

Gordon signed House Bill 147 into law, which bans Wyoming government entities from advancing diversity, equity and inclusion programs and requires compliance by July 1, 2025. The bill defines DEI as programs that promote differential treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin, with an exemption for federally recognized Indian tribes and related programs. At the same time, Gordon vetoed Senate File 103, a similar DEI ban that he characterized as ill-defined and overly broad in its curriculum restrictions, stating that House Bill 147 offered a more effective and legally sound approach to the same policy objectives.

Governor Gordon signed Senate Enrolled Act 60 into law on Tuesday, implementing a 25% reduction in residential property taxes on fair market home values up to $1 million, effective immediately for all eligible residential properties and associated land. Starting in the second year, recipients must occupy their home at least eight months annually to qualify for the tax cut. The legislation includes no backfill funding for schools, local governments, or special districts experiencing reduced revenue from the tax reduction.

Gordon vetoed a bill banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Wyoming state agencies, citing concerns about ill-defined restrictions and legal ambiguities that could harm higher education institutions and workforce development. Gordon subsequently signed into law an alternative bill addressing similar concerns through different language. Gordon also signed into law a bill creating a universal school voucher system for K-12 education and expanding the state's pre-K program, allocating $7,000 per child for parents choosing private education.

Seven election bills, including legislation to ban ballot drop boxes, failed to advance in the Wyoming Senate during the 2025 legislative session after not meeting the deadline for first reading. Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who had actively advocated for the bills in committee testimony and authored at least two of them, publicly criticized the Senate for allowing them to die. Senate Majority Floor Leader Tara Nethercott attributed the bills' failure to timing, stating that the Senate Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee's high volume of legislation prevented adequate public review before the bills could be scheduled for consideration.

Gordon signed House Bill 11 into law during a bill signing ceremony, legislation that extends the sunset date of the manufacturing sales and use tax exemption to 2042, moving the expiration date from its previously scheduled 2027 deadline. Gordon allowed a bill banning illegal immigrants from driving in Wyoming to pass into law without his signature, while expressing concern that the measure could violate an interstate compact. These actions occurred during the final days of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session.

Governor Gordon vetoed legislation that would have required patients seeking abortion medications to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound and observe a 48-hour waiting period. Gordon stated in his veto letter that he objected to the bill's invasive nature and its lack of exceptions for victims of rape or incest, characterizing the mandated procedure as "personally invasive, and often medically unnecessary." The bill had been sponsored by House Speaker Chip Neiman as a measure to regulate abortion access while the state's existing abortion bans remained under legal challenge.

Governor Gordon signed House Bill 199, the "Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act," into law on March 4, 2025, establishing a universal school voucher program that provides $7,000 annually per child for K-12 private school tuition and tutoring costs, with income-qualified families also eligible for pre-K funding assistance. The legislation expands an existing education savings account program that Gordon had partially vetoed the previous year due to constitutional concerns. The signed bill includes reinstated provisions requiring participating students to take statewide assessments, mandating provider certification by the Department of Education, and maintaining the pre-K component for eligible families.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 46, the Homeschool Freedom Act, into law in late February 2025, effective July 1. The legislation eliminates the requirement for homeschooling families to submit curricula annually to local school districts, though parents must still notify their district when removing students from public school. Wyoming became the first state to achieve complete homeschool freedom through legislative action rather than court precedent.

Governor Mark Gordon vetoed House Enrolled Act 35 on March 3, 2025, which would have required women in Wyoming to undergo an ultrasound at least 48 hours before obtaining abortion medication. In his veto letter, Gordon stated the mandate would constitute an unnecessary and invasive procedure, citing concerns about potential psychological impacts on women, particularly those who are victims of rape or incest, as the bill contained no exceptions for such circumstances. The bill had passed the Senate 24-7 and the House 47-12, margins that would allow the Legislature to override the veto if it chose to do so.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed Senate File 132 on March 3, 2025, legislation that would have authorized state law enforcement to take actions against unauthorized drones flying over critical infrastructure, including disabling or damaging them, and would have allowed the governor to deploy the Wyoming National Guard for such efforts. Gordon stated in his veto letter that the bill conflicted with federal aviation law and that federal law designates damage to aircraft as a felony, making state authorization legally preempted. Gordon wrote that the issue should be resolved at the federal level and expressed hope that the Trump administration would provide assistance to the state in addressing the mystery drone sightings reported over Wyoming infrastructure since October 2024.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed Senate File 20 into law, legislation that creates a new bonding pool system to assist small oil and gas operators in meeting federal bonding requirements for wells on federal land. The bill directs the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to partner with private insurers to establish a special-purpose bond pool that extends bonding credit to marginal operators based on projected future earnings, with repayment structured through a mill levy over the expected lifespan of a well. The legislation was enacted in response to Biden administration bonding requirements that increased the cost of a single lease bond from $10,000 to $150,000 and a statewide blanket bond from $25,000 to $500,000.

Governor Gordon allowed House Bill 172 to pass into law without his signature on February 28, 2025, which repeals Wyoming's gun-free zones in public schools effective July 1, 2025. The legislation permits adults age 21 and older with concealed carry permits to bring firearms into K-12 public schools without requiring prior authorization from school districts or administrators. Gordon stated his opposition to the bill, arguing that firearm policies in schools should be determined at the local level by school boards and districts rather than the state legislature.

House Bill 62 proposes to expand Wyoming's criminal prostitution statutes to include "touching (someone's) intimate parts," with violations punishable by up to six months in jail and $750 in fines. The bill passed the Wyoming House of Representatives 60-0 and survived a closer 15-10 Senate vote on Thursday before clearing its second Senate reading on Friday. The measure now awaits a final Senate vote before proceeding to Governor Gordon's desk for signature or veto.

Governor Gordon signed Senate File 121 into law on Friday, establishing rodeo-themed Wyoming state license plates to be available beginning next year. The legislation was introduced by State Senator Brian Boner in response to a letter from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals requesting that Wyoming residents be given the option to remove the bucking horse logo from the state's license plates. Purchasers of the new rodeo-themed plates will have the option to donate $20 or more to support rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges, with the state incurring a design cost of $2,000.

In 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a memorandum instructing safety inspectors not to suspend commercial drivers for failing to demonstrate proficiency in English communication. The memorandum came despite existing federal regulations requiring commercial vehicle drivers to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs in English, and respond to official inquiries. Fatal crashes involving large commercial trucks rose from approximately 4,500 nationally in 2016 to 5,837 in 2022, a period during which the agency's enforcement guidance remained in effect.

Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 42, "Regulation of surgical abortions," which requires abortion clinics to be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers and mandates that physicians performing abortions maintain hospital admitting privileges within ten miles of the facility. The bill took effect immediately upon Gordon's signature on February 27, 2025. Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming's only in-clinic abortion provider located in Casper, announced its intention to file a lawsuit seeking a restraining order to prevent the law's enforcement.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon allowed House Bill 172, legislation banning gun-free zones throughout the state including public spaces, schools, and university campuses, to become law without his signature on February 27, 2025. By declining to sign the bill while also refusing to veto it, Gordon signaled displeasure with the legislation while permitting it to take effect. In his written statement on the decision, Gordon characterized the bill as an assertion of legislative power over local control rather than a measure focused on Second Amendment protections.

Governor Gordon signed House Bill 42, "Regulation of surgical abortions," which requires abortion clinics to be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers and comply with associated Department of Health inspections, building codes, and regulations. He also signed House Bill 64, "Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement," which mandates that women receive an intrusive ultrasound within 48 hours of obtaining an abortion. Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming's only in-clinic abortion facility, filed a lawsuit seeking to block both laws, claiming they violate constitutional rights to make health care choices and are designed to restrict access to abortion services.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced on Thursday evening that House Bill 164, which repeals gun-free zones across the state, would become law without his signature. The bill, sponsored by Representative Jeremy Haroldson, permits lawful concealed carry of firearms at government meetings, public schools, public colleges and universities, public elementary and secondary school facilities, and public college and university facilities, with specified exemptions for school boards. Gordon stated in a letter to House Speaker Chip Nieman that he was tempted to veto the legislation but believed the bill would become law despite his veto.

Governor Gordon allowed a bill banning gun-free zones in Wyoming to pass into law on February 27, 2025, though he issued a critical statement regarding the legislation. The measure eliminates designated gun-free zones across the state. Gordon's decision permitted the bill to become law without his signature.

Governor Gordon allowed House Bill 172, which repeals gun-free zones in Wyoming, to become law without his signature on February 28, 2025. In a letter to House Speaker Chip Neiman, Gordon stated that while he supported repealing gun-free zones, the legislation represented a "legislative power grab" by centralizing authority over firearm policies exclusively with the state legislature rather than allowing individual government entities to make their own decisions. Gordon noted that since his veto of similar legislation the previous year, 60 percent of Wyoming school districts, all community colleges, and the University of Wyoming had independently adopted firearm carry policies through local deliberation.

A bill calling for possible felony charges against people who torture predators cleared the Wyoming Legislature on February 26, 2025, and was sent to Governor Gordon's desk for consideration. The measure would create criminal penalties for individuals convicted of torturing predatory animals. Gordon's action on the legislation, whether signing or vetoing it, had not yet been determined at the time of this legislative recap.

The Wyoming Senate and House agreed on Senate File 69 on Thursday, which would reduce property taxes on residential properties by 25% effective for the 2025 tax year, marking the largest property tax cut in Wyoming history. The bill applies to fair market values up to $1 million and contains no expiration date or backfill funding for local governments and schools experiencing revenue loss. The legislation now proceeds to Governor Mark Gordon for signature.

The Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 72, titled the "Protecting Privacy In Public Spaces Act," which would allow individuals to sue state and local governments if those entities fail to prevent people of the opposite sex from using restrooms or changing rooms in most public facilities. The bill excludes K-12 school districts, which are instead addressed in a separate measure, Senate File 62. House Bill 72 is now pending review by Governor Mark Gordon.

A Laramie County District Court judge ruled on February 26, 2025, that the Wyoming Legislature has unconstitutionally underfunded public schools across six areas, including teacher salaries, mental health counselors, school safety officers, and facility maintenance, and ordered the state to modify its funding model and school facilities financing system accordingly. Governor Gordon's office stated that the administration is reviewing the ruling to consider issues on appeal, while noting that Gordon had previously recommended an external cost adjustment for teacher and staff salaries that the current Legislature did not adopt. Gordon's office indicated the Governor looks forward to working with the Legislature in the coming months to ensure the state meets its constitutional obligation to fund Wyoming education.

Laramie County District Court Judge Peter Froelicher issued a 186-page ruling on Wednesday ordering the Wyoming Legislature to increase school funding to satisfy state constitutional requirements. The decision, which addressed a lawsuit filed by the Wyoming Education Association and several school districts in August 2022, mandated that the state fund computers for all students, expand school lunch programs, hire additional school resource officers and mental health counselors, and adjust funding to keep pace with inflation and teacher salary needs. Governor Gordon's office stated it would review the ruling to consider appealing the decision while noting the Governor has previously recommended the Legislature fund education cost adjustments.

The Wyoming Legislature passed a bill that would invalidate driver's licenses issued by other states to undocumented immigrants, sending the measure to Governor Mark Gordon for consideration. If Gordon signs the bill, Wyoming would void licenses from as many as 19 states, including neighboring Utah and Colorado, with the law taking effect in July 2025. The legislation would authorize local law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals presenting out-of-state licenses during traffic stops through coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

House Speaker Chip Neiman sponsored House Bill 249, which the Senate Corporations, Elections and Subdivisions Committee passed on a 4-1 vote on Wednesday. The bill would move Wyoming's primary election for statewide offices, including governor, to May and establish an August runoff election if no candidate receives more than 50% of the primary vote. The legislation would require initial funding of $2 million, a one-time appropriation that would need periodic replenishment for future elections.

The Wyoming Legislature approved Senate File 33 on Tuesday, which creates a new driver's license and state ID category for non-U.S. citizens legally present in the country, with notification stating "Not A U.S. citizen" printed on the back of the cards in black font. The bill, now sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for approval, replaces the current "NR" designation for non-residents on the front of cards and is intended to clarify non-citizen status for election judges and law enforcement officers. The final version represents a modification from earlier proposals that would have placed the designation in color on the front of the cards.

Governor Gordon has until midnight Thursday to decide on House Bill 42, "Regulation of surgical abortions," which would enact new restrictions on Wyoming clinics that perform abortions, including stricter licensure and building codes as well as requirements for hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Martha Lawley, would apply to Casper's Wellspring Health Access, the sole facility in Wyoming providing in-clinic abortions. Gordon may sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

House Bill 172, titled "Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments," passed the Wyoming legislature and was enrolled as House Enrolled Act 24, placing it on Governor Mark Gordon's desk for signature or veto. University of Wyoming students staged a die-in protest outside Gordon's office on February 24, 2025, in response to the legislation, which would eliminate gun-free zones on university campuses and other state-owned facilities. Gordon's communications director stated that the governor would take the students' comments into consideration as he reviewed the bill.

House Bill 46, the Homeschool Freedom Act, passed the Wyoming Senate on February 24, 2025, with a 28-2 bipartisan vote and was sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for final action. The bill would eliminate the requirement that Wyoming homeschool parents submit their curriculum to local school districts. Gordon may sign the legislation, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

Governor Gordon vetoed a bill in the previous year that would have required surgical abortion centers to be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers. The same legislation, House Bill 24, titled "Regulation of surgical abortions," has returned to Gordon's desk in the current legislative session after passing the House on a 44-16 concurrent vote. Gordon previously stated in his veto message that the amended bill, which also applied regulations to chemical abortions and required an ultrasound no more than 28 hours before a woman takes drugs or substances to induce abortion, "complicated" the bill's intent and made it "vulnerable to legal challenges."

On February 24, 2025, Governor Gordon signed 40 bills into law during the 29th day of the Wyoming legislative session. The bills encompassed diverse policy areas including vehicle accident reporting amendments, disabled parking placard revisions, wildlife conservation measures, tax code changes, and charter school funding modifications. Among the signed legislation were HB0075 regarding coal severance tax rates, SF0078 on absentee ballot request forms, and SF0088 on large project funding.

The Wyoming Senate passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Pepper Ottman that invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in the state, part of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus's Five and Dime Plan. The bill, which the House of Representatives passed in January, states that any driver's license or nonresident operating privilege document issued to an unauthorized alien outside of Wyoming will be invalid in the state if the license or card holder does not provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. The bill was sent to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for signature or veto.

The Senate Education Committee voted 3-2 on February 24, 2025, to issue a "do not pass" recommendation on House Bill 148, which would have restructured the University of Wyoming board of trustees to include seven publicly elected members alongside seven gubernatorially appointed members. Committee Chairman Wendy Schuler stated that the "do not pass" recommendation was based on constitutional concerns regarding the proposed election system. The bill will advance to the full Senate for consideration, though passage is considered unlikely given the committee's recommendation.

The Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 164, sponsored by Representative Jeremy Haroldson, on Friday, which would ban gun-free zones in the state if signed into law. The bill allows for lawful concealed carry of firearms in government entity meetings, public schools, public colleges and universities, and public facilities, with specific exceptions for federal locations and certain school enrollees. The Senate voted 26-4 to pass the bill, the House passed it in January with a 50-10-2 vote, and the measure now requires agreement on three Senate amendments before it can proceed to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for signature or veto.

House Bill 172, which would repeal Wyoming's gun-free zones in locations including public schools, university campuses, and the state Capitol building, passed the Wyoming Senate on a 25-6 vote and advanced to the concurrence process. Gordon vetoed an identical repeal measure in 2024 and stated through a spokesman that he would "review the bill carefully once it reaches his desk" without indicating his intended action. The bill eliminates proposed amendments that would have granted school districts local control over concealed carry policies on school grounds.

Wyoming House Bill 43 advanced unanimously from the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 20, 2025, and proceeded to the full Senate floor for debate. The bill would require pornographic websites to verify users' ages through identification cards, credit or debit cards, or other reliable age verification methods before granting access. If passed by the Senate without amendments, the legislation will be sent to Governor Mark Gordon for consideration.

The Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 4, which increases annual snowmobile registration fees for in-state riders from $35 to $50, raises commercial registration fees from $105 to $150, and increases non-resident fees from $35 to $70, while establishing a new $25 one-time registration class for antique snowmobiles over 20 years old. The fee increases were enacted to address a $400,000 budget shortfall in the state parks department's winter trail maintenance operations. The bill was sent to Governor Gordon for signature following passage by both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature.

Gordon vetoed House Bill 172 during the 2024 legislative session after the bill passed both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature and would have allowed concealed carry in schools, the state Capitol building, and other gun-free zones. The same bill was reintroduced in the 2025 session and unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 18, 2025, with testimony from gun rights researcher John Lott. The measure is scheduled for consideration on the Senate Floor.

In 2024, Gordon vetoed House Bill 172, titled "Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments," which would have allowed concealed carry in schools, government buildings and meetings, and college and university sporting events that do not serve alcohol. Gordon stated his veto was based on the bill's erosion of local control, particularly regarding school districts' authority to develop their own firearms policies. The bill was reintroduced in the 2025 legislative session and advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee despite majority public testimony in opposition.

Gordon stated that Wyoming must intensify efforts to address mental health services following a murder-suicide in Byron, acknowledging that the state falls short in directing resources toward mental health interventions. Gordon noted that legislators have not yet taken meaningful action on the state's mental health system during the current legislative session, which has focused on property taxes, election laws, and government reduction. Gordon's administration has previously launched WY We Care, a mental health initiative that included town halls in 2023 and contracted with suicide prevention experts to provide intervention training in multiple counties.

The Wyoming Senate Education Committee advanced House Bill 199, the "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act," in a 3-2 vote on February 13, 2025, despite constitutional concerns raised by committee members. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, removes income eligibility requirements from the existing education savings account program, increases per-child funding from $6,000 to $7,000, eliminates pre-kindergarten eligibility, and changes the funding source from the general fund to federal mineral royalties. Committee Chairwoman Sen. Wendy Schuler and Sen. Chris Rothfuss both voted against the measure, expressing concerns about how the expansion would withstand legal challenge.

President Donald Trump nominated Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance, to lead the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which oversees approximately 18.4 million surface acres and 42.9 million acres of mineral estate in Wyoming. Sgamma is a longtime oil and gas industry advocate whose organization has historically advocated for industry access to public lands and engaged in disputes with federal agencies over regulations. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon characterized the nomination as "an excellent choice" and stated that Sgamma is "well-qualified and knowledgeable when it comes to Wyoming, the West, and multiple use of public lands."

Governor Gordon in August 2024 authorized the deployment of eight Department of Corrections and local law enforcement personnel to provide support along the southern border. This action followed an earlier announcement in August 2024 that ten Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers would be sent to Eagle Pass, Texas at the request of that state to assist with border operations. Wyoming Highway Patrol Colonel Tim Cameron presented details of the troopers' 14-day deployment to the House Judiciary Committee, describing their role in providing additional manpower to support Texas Department of Safety border enforcement efforts.

House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, blocked 95 bills from introduction during the 2025 Wyoming legislative session by holding them in his drawer, a procedural power that allows the speaker to prevent bills from being referred to committees. This action represented approximately 27% of the House's workload and included 14 bills sponsored by committees, contrasting with his predecessor Albert Sommers who blocked only about 8% of bills. Before the session began, Neiman stated at an AARP webinar that he would prefer to let every bill go to committee to "see what comes of it. Let it have sunlight," but did not block any of the bills he withheld from introduction.

Governor Mark Gordon's office stated that the governor will maintain an "all of the above" energy policy that supports all types of energy production, including wind, in response to legislative proposals to prioritize fossil fuels over renewables. Senate Joint Resolution 4 was sent to the Senate Floor for consideration, which requested that Gordon oppose future promotion and subsidization of commercial wind and solar power generation in Wyoming. Gordon's stated commitment to an inclusive energy approach reflects the state's continued development of wind and solar projects despite recent federal executive orders and proposed state legislation challenging renewable energy expansion.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the Bureau of Land Management's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, finalized in December 2024, would be suspended for further review. Governor Gordon had previously criticized the plan as overly restrictive and incompatible with Wyoming's interests. Burgum indicated the plan would likely be revised through a consultation process that includes input from Gordon and other Wyoming stakeholders rather than being fully eliminated.

Governor Gordon requested a $692 million supplemental budget update to the biennial budget, which both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature considered during their supplemental budget negotiations in February 2025. The Wyoming House passed a supplemental budget of $119 million in new expenditures on a 43-14 vote, while the Senate passed a $228 million supplemental budget on a 28-3 vote, resulting in a $109 million difference between the two chambers. Both chambers included provisions to support local governments and schools contingent on passage of a major property tax relief bill, specifically Senate File 69, which would exempt 50 percent of property taxes without state backfill.

In 2019, Gordon identified invasive annual grasses as a primary threat to Wyoming's ecological and economic systems. In 2024, Gordon requested that the Wyoming Legislature allocate significant resources to suppress flame-friendly grasses and address invasive weed management. Gordon's request included recommendations to assess state-level funding mechanisms and increase flexibility in the use and timing of invasive weed management funds.

Governor Mark Gordon's office filed an appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court challenging a Teton County judge's ruling that struck down two state abortion bans as unconstitutional. The state's attorneys argued that Article 1 Section 38 of the Wyoming Constitution, which guarantees the right to make one's own health care decisions, does not extend to abortion procedures. The appeal contests Judge Melissa Owens' November 2024 decision that found the constitutional amendment provided protection for abortion access.

Gordon filed a 102-page brief with the Wyoming Supreme Court in February 2025 requesting reversal of a November 2024 order by Judge Melissa Owens that struck down the state's Life is a Human Right Act and chemical abortion ban as unconstitutional. Through Attorney General Special Assistant Jay Jerde, Gordon argued that Owens misapplied the Wyoming Constitution by relying on doctors' testimony rather than legislative history and intent when determining that abortion constitutes health care. The filing contends that the 2012 constitutional health care provision was enacted as an anti-Obamacare measure and does not establish abortion as a fundamental right under Wyoming law.

Senate File 69, the "Homeowner property tax exemption" bill, passed the Wyoming Senate on third reading in a 23-8 vote on Tuesday. The bill provides a two-year, 50% reduction in property taxes on assessed value up to $1 million for all homeowners, with no state funding to offset local government revenue losses. An amendment by Senator Tara Nethercott restored the tax relief percentage to 50% after the Senate had previously voted to reduce it to 25%.

The Wyoming House Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 102 on Wednesday by a 6-3 vote, a measure that would change the Wyoming Attorney General from an appointed position to an elected office. Currently, Wyoming's attorney general is appointed by the governor and serves at the governor's pleasure, making Wyoming one of only seven states without an elected attorney general. The bill would take effect following the 2026 election and would allow the attorney general to be removed by the legislature and state supreme court in addition to the governor.

Rep. John Bear alleged in February 2025 that Gov. Gordon and two past Joint Appropriations Committees failed to follow state law governing spending procedures. Bear, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, stated he discovered the alleged violations while investigating Wyoming's budgetary obligations, restrictions, and reserves. Bear cited inconsistencies between state spending law and practices by Gordon and former legislative appropriators.

Rep. John Bear alleged that Gov. Gordon and former members of the Joint Appropriations Committee violated Wyoming state spending law by recommending appropriations from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account that exceeded the 5% limit established in 2016 legislation. Bear, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, stated that Gordon had recommended rainy day fund withdrawals in excess of the statutory threshold on multiple occasions. Gordon responded that his budget recommendations were constitutional and compliant with state law.

Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, a Hulett Republican and primary sponsor of House Bill 23, acknowledged on the House floor that two abortion restriction bills passed by the Wyoming House of Representatives this week were designed to end abortion rather than solely ensure patient safety. House Bill 23 would regulate facilities providing in-clinic abortions, while House Bill 24 would require a transvaginal ultrasound before patients could take abortion medication. Both bills advance to the Wyoming Senate following passage in the House.

Senate File 114, which passed the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee on January 30, 2025, would establish protocols for law enforcement to accept and process missing person reports within eight hours and submit cases to national, regional, and state databases. The bill would clarify jurisdictional requirements by mandating that reports be filed with the law enforcement agency in the county where the person was last seen, or in the person's county of residence if no sightings have occurred. Gordon's office, along with the Wyoming Attorney General's Office, law enforcement organizations, and missing persons advocacy groups, expressed support for the legislation in committee testimony.

The Wyoming Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands Committee advanced Senate File 103 on a unanimous 5-0 vote, a bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion mandates across state agencies, the University of Wyoming, and community colleges. The legislation would prohibit the use of any funds, including private donations, on DEI initiatives, though it includes exemptions for activities required to comply with federal or state law. The bill reached the Senate floor Thursday after Governor Mark Gordon had previously vetoed portions of similar legislation over concerns about federal grant eligibility for the University of Wyoming.

Speaker of the House Chip Neiman sponsored House Bill 64, "Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement," which would require patients to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound before taking abortion medication. The bill passed the Wyoming House of Representatives 48-13 during the 2025 legislative session. Neiman acknowledged on the floor that the legislation was designed to prevent abortions rather than solely to ensure patient safety, stating his belief that life should be protected.

Governor Gordon authored an opinion piece in January 2025 supporting Wyoming's pursuit of a state-issued dollar-backed stable token under the Wyoming Stable Token Act passed by the Wyoming Legislature. Gordon described the anticipated "WYST" token as a fully-reserved, fiat-backed stable token that would settle dollar-denominated transactions on public blockchains while generating interest income for the state's school foundation program. Gordon characterized the token as addressing national debt challenges and positioned dollar-backed stablecoins as alternatives to foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities.

Gordon vetoed a property tax reduction bill in 2024 that included backfill provisions for local governments and schools, citing the backfills as one of his criticisms in his veto letter. The Wyoming Legislature is currently considering Senate File 69, which would reduce property taxes by 50% while entirely removing backfill options for local governments and schools. This legislative action responds to significant property tax increases following the COVID-19 pandemic, with supporters arguing it will help voters understand the connection between tax levels and available services.

The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee advanced a supplemental budget totaling approximately $265.5 million on January 28, 2025, but reduced Governor Gordon's recommendations by roughly $235 million through cuts to wildfire recovery, energy projects, emergency funds for local governments, and reimbursement rates for maternity and mental health care. The committee also used its first meeting of the 2025 general session to reinstate language that Gordon had previously line-item vetoed from the existing budget by adding the crossed-out provisions back into the supplemental fiscal plan. The revised budget now proceeds to the House and Senate for separate floor deliberations.

Governor Gordon requested $130 million in grants as relief for Wyoming ranchers and families affected by the 2024 wildfires. On Tuesday, Gordon expressed grave concerns regarding a proposal to replace the grant funding with $100 million in loans instead. The specific outcome of Gordon's position on this funding mechanism was not resolved on that legislative day.

The Wyoming Legislature considered House Bill 80, which would restrict the state's investment managers from investing in companies that support environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. State Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray, while both opposed to ESG, disagreed on the bill's approach, with Meier prioritizing financial returns and Meier commending legislative amendments he believed protected the state's pension system, while Gray advocated for a hardline stance against ESG regardless of financial consequences. The article notes that Governor Mark Gordon's position on whether to veto HB 80 remained unclear at the time of reporting.

The Wyoming Senate voted 22-9 on January 28, 2025, to reduce funding in Senate File 41, "Federal acts-legal actions authorized," by $70 million, leaving $5 million for legislative litigation independent of Governor Gordon's executive branch. The amendment, proposed by Senator Mike Gierau, followed days of debate over whether lawmakers should maintain separate litigation funds to challenge federal environmental policies. Senator John Kolb stated that the change in the federal administration influenced his support for the reduction, describing concern about "two pots of money working against each other" in relation to federal land management policies.

Governor Gordon requested $130 million in grants from the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee as wildfire relief for residents affected by the 2024 wildfire season. The Committee rejected this request and instead approved $100 million in loans with a 2% interest rate administered over 20 years, prompting Gordon to issue a statement expressing grave concerns about the loan structure on January 28, 2025. Gordon held town halls in Gillette, Sheridan, and Wheatland to advocate for the grant program, stating that a loan program would not provide the flexibility and responsiveness needed for fire restoration and recovery.

Governor Gordon vetoed House Bill 172, "Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments," in 2024 after it passed both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature. The bill would have allowed concealed carry in schools, government buildings, meetings, and college and university sporting events that do not serve alcohol. The measure returned to the House in 2025 and passed overwhelmingly, advancing to the Senate for consideration.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon characterized President Donald Trump's executive orders on energy and climate policy, issued in January 2025, as beneficial to Wyoming's energy sector and the state overall. The orders include two primary directives, "Declaring A National Energy Emergency" and "Unleashing American Energy," which fast-track oil and natural gas development, halt wind energy permitting, freeze electric vehicle incentive programs, and suspend Biden-era federal grant disbursements. The frozen grants include approximately $69 million for a Homes Energy Savings Program and $8.1 million for a Grid Resiliency Program, along with potential impacts on research funding and water infrastructure projects in Wyoming.

The House Education Committee voted 9-0 on January 23, 2025, to advance House Bill 199, the "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act," sponsored by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie. The bill would expand an existing education savings account program to offer up to $7,000 per student regardless of family income for non-public K-12 education costs, while removing requirements for statewide assessments, provider certification by the Department of Education, and the preschool component of the current program. The measure now proceeds to the House floor for three readings before potential advancement to the Senate.

House Speaker Chip Neiman sponsored House Bill 64, which would require women to undergo an ultrasound at least 48 hours before receiving a prescription for abortion pills in Wyoming. The bill advanced through the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee on January 22, 2025, with a 7-1 vote, with only Representative Mike Yin voting against it. The legislation includes a felony provision carrying up to five years in prison and $20,000 in fines for violations, and applies only to medication abortions, not surgical abortions.

Governor Mark Gordon requested $130 million in funding for wildfire recovery efforts following a historic 2024 wildfire season that burned approximately 810,000 acres across Wyoming and depleted multiple state contingency accounts. During a Joint Appropriations Committee meeting on January 22, 2025, Representative Abby Angelos introduced a motion that reduced the recovery funding to $100 million and restructured the assistance from grants to loans. The Republican-led effort cut $30 million from Gordon's original recovery proposal.

The Wyoming House of Representatives passed two bills, HB 1st and HB 1df, aimed at tightening voting registration requirements in the state. HB 1st would require a 30-day residency requirement before registering to vote, while HB 1df would require proof of residency and citizenship to be shown when registering to vote. Governor Mark Gordon vetoed similar election code changes in 2022, writing to Secretary of State Chuck Gray that the rules were beyond the statutory authority of the Secretary of State.

Governor Gordon signed the Wyoming education savings accounts bill in 2024 but vetoed the higher income eligibility provisions that would have allowed families earning up to $156,000 annually to access the vouchers. Gordon reduced the income threshold to approximately $45,000 for a family of four, citing concerns about the program's constitutional vulnerability under Wyoming's prohibition on using public funds for private and religious schools. The governor's partial veto followed passage of the bill through both chambers of the Legislature late in the 2024 session.

The Wyoming Senate Education Committee voted 4-1 on January 20, 2025, to advance Senate File 21, "Ban on cell phone use in schools," to the full Senate floor. The bill, sponsored by Senator Wendy Schuler, requires school districts to adopt policies restricting cellphone use during instructional time, with the committee amending the language from "prohibit" to "restrict" to account for safety, health, and communication needs. The measure addresses a gap in existing district policies, as at least 18 of Wyoming's 48 school districts lack cellphone policies according to data collected by the Wyoming School Boards Association.

Governor Gordon outlined priorities in his State of the State address calling for expedited reconstruction of the LaPrele Dam, protection of water rights and downstream residents, and relief to irrigators affected by the dam's failure. Wyoming lawmakers on the Legislature's Select Water Committee moved $50 million earmarked for the Alkali Creek Dam project into funding for LaPrele Dam reconstruction through House Bill 117, the omnibus water bill-construction measure. The reallocation reflects concerns about escalating costs for the Alkali project, which had grown from an initial $35 million estimate to approximately $80 million, while leaving $7.2 million in the Alkali account for continued easement and planning efforts.

The Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee voted on January 17, 2025, to reverse approximately 20 of Governor Mark Gordon's line-item vetoes from the 2024 budget, including restoring funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the University of Wyoming and reinstating a requirement that the Wyoming Stable Token Commission contract only with Wyoming-based companies. The legislature had been unable to override these vetoes when Gordon issued them in spring 2024 after the legislative session had already adjourned and a special session call failed to receive sufficient votes. The reversals will dictate how state money is allocated in the second year of the 2025-2026 biennial budget if approved by the full legislature in February.

The Joint Appropriations Committee voted to add language prohibiting the University of Wyoming from using state funds for diversity, equity and inclusion programming, reversing Governor Gordon's line-item veto of similar language from the previous year's budget. Gordon had vetoed the provision in March 2024, citing concerns that the restriction could jeopardize approximately $120 million in federal grants to the university. The committee's action occurred during consideration of the supplemental budget in January 2025, with the two Democratic members voting in opposition.

Governor Mark Gordon's office issued a Restoration of Rights certificate to Randy Kane, a convicted felon in Big Horn, Wyoming, certifying that Kane's firearms rights had been restored under Wyoming state law. In November 2023, ATF agents conducted a pre-dawn raid on Kane's home based on a federal search warrant alleging illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon, creating a conflict between state restoration of rights and federal law prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. The incident highlighted a gap between Wyoming's 2023 statute restoring gun rights to nonviolent felons and federal restrictions, prompting Representative Jeremy Haroldson to plan introduction of legislation to clarify the status of firearm rights restoration for nonviolent felons.

Rep. Tony Locke introduced House Bill 169, titled "Homeowner tax exemption-2025 and 2026," which would exempt 50 percent of a home's first $1 million in fair market value from property tax assessment for the tax years 2025 and 2026. The bill includes a $225 million appropriation to backfill half of the revenue lost through the exemption. Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a similar measure following the 2024 budget session.

Governor Gordon delivered his 2025 State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on January 15, 2025, urging lawmakers to prioritize infrastructure investment and citing the failing LaPrele dam, the collapse of Highway 22 over Teton Pass, and recent wildfires as examples of urgent needs. Gordon outlined additional priorities including increased Medicaid funding for obstetrics providers, expansion of the state's coal litigation fund, expansion of school choice, and additional funding for an existing property tax refund program. The governor defended his supplemental budget proposal as focused on infrastructure needs and efficient government spending while noting that Wyoming has reduced state employees by 300 positions during his tenure.

During his State of the State address in January 2025, Governor Gordon stated that Wyoming's fossil fuel industries have weathered restrictions under the Biden administration and are positioned to rebound under the incoming Trump administration. Gordon described conversations with President-elect Trump in which Trump indicated support for Wyoming's energy development and told Gordon "Anything you need, Mark." Gordon expressed confidence that Wyoming lawmakers would continue supporting an "all-of-the-above" energy approach during the legislative session, though he acknowledged potential disagreement from some far-right lawmakers regarding his support for low-carbon energy technologies.

Governor Gordon delivered his State of the State address on the second day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, requesting a $692 million supplemental budget from legislators. In his speech, Gordon urged the legislature to exercise common sense and avoid being "cheap, short-sighted" in their budget deliberations. The address occurred during the 37-day legislative session as committees began their initial discussions on bills.

The Wyoming House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee passed House Bill 0022, titled the "What is a Woman Act," sponsored by Representative Jayne Lien of Casper, on a 6-1 vote in January 2025. The bill seeks to codify definitions of male and female based on biological sex and specifies that distinctions based on sex must be enforced in athletics, prisons, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, locker rooms, restrooms, and other facilities where safety or privacy is implicated. The bill's specific impact on existing Wyoming law remains unclear according to the article.

In 2024, Wyoming legislators passed legislation creating education savings accounts that would provide parents with funds to offset homeschooling, private school, tutoring, and related educational expenses. Governor Mark Gordon line-item vetoed portions of the legislation, restricting eligibility to families earning 150 percent of the federal poverty line, which limited qualified families to those earning approximately $48,000 for a family of four, and raised concerns about constitutional compliance and the use of funds for religious institutions. The enacted version provides $6,000 annually per child aged 4 through 12th grade to families meeting the narrowed income threshold.

Governor Gordon signed House Enrolled Act 0088 in March, legislation that creates property tax exemptions for certain categories of residents. The bill emerged from a statewide movement to reduce property tax burdens, particularly for retirees and individuals on fixed incomes experiencing rapid assessment increases. The exemptions are intended to address concerns that rising property values in Wyoming communities were making housing costs unaffordable for long-term residents.

The State Building Commission, composed of Wyoming's governor, treasurer, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, and auditor, voted unanimously on January 8, 2025, to allow concealed firearms in publicly accessible areas of the Wyoming Capitol building. The commission created regulations permitting concealed carry in certain Capitol spaces while continuing to review weapons policies in other state office buildings. The vote followed Governor Mark Gordon's previous veto of legislation that would have repealed statutes prohibiting firearms in public meetings, with Gordon having promised to initiate the rule-making process that resulted in the commission's decision.

State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz proposed legislation titled the "Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again" bill that would remove carbon dioxide's classification as a pollutant or contaminant under Wyoming law and repeal the 2020 carbon capture mandate requiring coal power plants to retrofit facilities with carbon capture, use and storage technologies by 2033. The bill would also eliminate low-carbon energy standards in Wyoming. Gov. Mark Gordon declined to comment on the proposed legislation, though he has previously advocated for Wyoming to become carbon negative as a strategy to preserve the state's fossil fuel industries.

A federal judge ruled that the Bureau of Land Management illegally suspended oil and gas lease sales in the third quarter of 2022 in violation of the Mineral Leasing Act, finding the agency's decision to be arbitrary and capricious. Governor Gordon characterized the court ruling as an "important partial victory for Wyoming" but expressed disappointment that the judgment did not extend to the BLM's failure to conduct lease sales in 2021. Industry officials stated the ruling came too late to reverse the effects of reduced lease sales, noting that the BLM has continued to hold minimal lease sales in Wyoming despite the court's determination.