Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

Regional Haze

Clear Solutions for Parks

Millions of people visit U.S. national parks and wilderness areas each year to see some of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. Visitors imagine national parks as having the…

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Grand Teton’s distinctive mountain peaks and its breathtaking views from Inspiration Point are among the natural features that attract millions of visitors. Yet over the years, the very vistas that draw people in could be threatened by the state’s reliance on coal-powered plants and oil and gas development.

Coal-fired power plants and the oil and gas sector are the main sources of haze pollution in Wyoming. This air pollution, which can travel hundreds of miles from its source, affects parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, as well as parks and communities in neighboring states. The state of Wyoming has had ample opportunities to require industry to use the best available technology and adopt stronger safeguards to improve air across the state. While the state has made some progress, time and again it has come up far short of what Wyomingites deserve. And pressure from industry to evade requirements — including at one of the state’s most polluting plants, PacifiCorp’s Rocky Mountain Power — has stalled the process even further.

Fortunately, there is still time. Modern pollution controls can reduce coal plant emissions and increasing production of solar and wind energy could provide new job opportunities for people in the state, including those who are transitioning from work in fossil-fuel industries. Through its regional haze plan, the state also has an important opportunity to create stronger rules to limit pollution from its oil and gas facilities.

Together, these actions would significantly decrease emissions, ensure Wyomingites can breathe cleaner air and see clearer skies, and protect Grand Teton and Yellowstone in the future.