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Wyoming sues BLM to protect coal leasing in Powder River Basin (posted 12/12/2024)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Governor Mark Gordon announced today (Thursday, December 12, 2024) that Wyoming and Montana have filed suit against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Buffalo Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) that ends new federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. The suit that the RMPA record of decision is unreasonable, unjustified, and unsupported by federal law.
"Instead of working with the states to address their concerns, BLM pushed through their narrow-minded agenda to stop using coal, ignoring the multiple-use mandate and the economic impacts of this decision, including skyrocketing electricity bills for consumers. They did not do their job properly," Governor Gordon said.
The states’ lawsuit argues that the RMPA fails to comply with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), stating that the BLM’s action marks a total shift in the agency’s treatment of coal leasing and simply ignoring the states’ concerns.
"Even though these States, their agencies and counties, industry groups, and members of Congress objected to the proposed management plan, BLM gave their concerns short shrift and moved forward with its own agenda," the lawsuit states.
Governor Gordon utilized Coal Litigation Funds appropriated by the Wyoming Legislature, which added another arrow to the Attorney General’s quiver in Wyoming’s longstanding efforts to combat the Biden federal efforts to end the use of fossil fuels. This most recent lawsuit adds to the more than 50 cases in which the Attorney General is protecting Wyoming’s interests. The Governor expressed his appreciation to the legislature for the funds, which were used to contract with Consovoy McCarthy, a private firm with proven expertise in federal administrative law.
"Wyoming will continue to lead in the fight against federal overreach. I look forward to the courts scrutinizing this misguided and politically-driven amendment which consciously ignored our country’s increasing demand for affordable energy," the Governor said.
A copy of the States’ filing may be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o4aFBhgz_URSKhFoXh4vssJUukX_EM7a/view
Update on Corporate Transparency Act BOI filing requirement (posted 12/11/2024)
Nation-wide preliminary injunction suspends enforcement temporarily
Pinedale Online!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) which requires specific business entities to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) by January 1, 2025, has been preliminarily blocked nationwide as of December 3, 2024, by a Texas federal court. The ruling ordered a nation-wide preliminary injunction suspending enforcement temporarily. As a result, "reporting companies need not comply with the CTA’s January 1, 2025, [beneficial ownership information] reporting deadline pending further order of the Court" and FinCEN cannot enforce any of the CTA’s penalties for willful noncompliance against entities or individuals. The Department of Justice has filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Further appeals could take it to the Supreme Court. Companies impacted by this matter should keep apprised of the status of the rulings on this case and the filing requirement.
Related Links:
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Enforcement On Hold After Court Ruling The National Law Review, December 11, 2024
FinCEN: CTA Is Voluntary (for Now). Forbes.com, December 9, 2024
Corporate Transparency Act Blocked Nationwide by Texas Court bloombergtax.com, December 3, 2024
LLCs required to file new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by January 1, 2025 Pinedale Online! November 18, 2024
Wyoming DEQ begins Upper Green River Basin Redesignation process (posted 12/11/2024)
Kimberly Mazza, Wyoming DEQ
PINEDALE, WYOMING – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Division (AQD) recently held a public meeting in Pinedale, Wyoming to discuss the process to officially redesignate the Upper Green River Basin (UGRB) to Attainment status for meeting the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
In 2012, the UGRB was designated by the EPA as a Nonattainment Area (NAA) for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS due to exceedances that occurred in previous years.
The AQD developed enforceable reductions to meet the 2008 Ozone NAAQS and move the Basin back into attainment. Through collaboration with many stakeholders in the Basin, including industry and citizens, the DEQ was able to demonstrate that the enforceable reductions were working. As a result, in 2016, the EPA issued a Determination of Attainment confirming that the UGRB met the 2008 NAAQS of 75ppb for three consecutive years.
The next step for redesignation is developing a 20-year maintenance plan. The maintenance plan ensures continued compliance and includes contingency measures for potential issues. The plan projects future emissions for the next 10 years. At the eight-year mark, the second 10-year plan will be due.
The AQD has designated a special website (UGRBozone.org) to keep the public informed and to provide an opportunity for input to inform Wyoming DEQ’s planning process. The public is encouraged to visit UGRBozone.org for links to submit their input and sign up for updates on the process.
BLM Pinedale and Kemmerer Field Office seeks volunteers for bald eagle survey (posted 12/11/2024)
Pinedale survey on January 11, 2025
Bureau of Land Management
PINEDALE, WYOMING — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale and Kemmerer Field Offices are inviting volunteers to participate in the national Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey. The Pinedale survey is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, while the Kemmerer survey will take place on Friday, January 10.
Volunteers should call the Pinedale and Kemmerer Field Office by Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, to be assigned survey routes along public roads in Sublette and Lincoln County, Wyoming, and receive instructions on survey methods and eagle identification. Two-person observation teams are needed so that one person can safely drive while the other observes and documents eagles.
Since 1979, federal and state agencies as well as volunteers from the public have counted bald eagles throughout the U.S. every January. By monitoring and estimating national and regional count trends, an index of the total winter bald eagle population in the lower 48 states has been established.
For additional information:
• Pinedale Field Office: Contact Theresa Gulbrandson at 307-367-5359.
• Kemmerer Field Office: Contact David Merz at 307-828-4517.
Wyoming pushes back on anti-fossil fuel ESG-driven asset managers (posted 11/29/2024)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
Wyoming is part of a coalition of states that has brought an antitrust enforcement action against asset managers Blackrock, State Street, and Vanguard for their coordinated and anticompetitive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) schemes to disrupt the energy industry.
Each defendant – three of the largest institutional investors in the world – has individually acquired substantial stockholdings in every significant publicly held coal producer in the United States. Each thereby has acquired the power to influence the policies of these competing companies and significantly diminish competition in the coal markets.
In 2021, Blackrock, State Street, and Vanguard publicly announced their respective commitment to use their shares to pressure all portfolio companies in which they held assets to align with a climate activist agenda. Those goals included reducing carbon emissions from coal by over 50%.
"Wyoming is committed to protecting our core industries, whether from federal over-reaching regulations or unfair market manipulation. I commend our Attorney General for her diligence in pursuing all options to protect the coal industry," stated Governor Mark Gordon.
"Under the guise of ESG policies, they have leveraged their holdings and voted their shares to artificially constrain the supply of coal and significantly diminish competition in the markets for coal, which resulted in increased energy prices for American consumers and extraordinary profits for the asset managers," the Governor continued. "Pushing back against anti-competitive ESG policies, especially when they unfairly exact profits from increased energy costs to Wyoming families and businesses, is one of the ways Wyoming continues to defend our coal industry and help power the country."
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park visitation statistics (posted 11/22/2024)
National Park Service
Grand Teton National Park visitation statistics
Grand Teton National Park hosted more than 3.5 million recreation visits between January and October, already making 2024 the second busiest year on record. The busiest year on record is 2021, with almost 3.9 million recreation visits for the entire year. Four of the last ten months have been the second busiest months.
"Even though the year isn’t over yet, the data shows us that Grand Teton National Park continues to resonate with millions of visitors," said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. "As visitation trends change, we will need to figure out how to respond to and manage those changes for the good of visitors, park resources, and our local communities."
When and how people visit the park continues to change. Some of the largest increases in recreation visits occurred during the shoulder seasons, including April, May, and October. Arrivals increased at the Moose Entrance while wildfires affected U.S. Highway 26/287 east of the park. And more visitors hit the trails this summer than ever before. Trail use increased by about 16% compared to 10 years ago and by about 4% compared to five years ago.
In an effort to better understand changing visitation and how people use the park, we asked the public over the summer for their input about desired conditions and visitor experiences. Park staff are reviewing and analyzing the comments and will use that information to ensure visitors continue to have high-quality experiences in the park.
Visitation figures are a valuable tool used by the NPS to manage public enjoyment of Grand Teton National Park while monitoring resource conditions and the quality of the visitor experience. The NPS Stats website has more information about visitation statistics at Grand Teton and all national parks.
Yellowstone National Park visitation statistics for October 2024
Yellowstone National Park hosted 346,025 recreation visits in October 2024. This is a 16% increase from October 2023 (299,127 recreational visits). This October’s visitation showed a 9% increase from October 2021 (316,662 recreation visits).
So far in 2024, the park has hosted 4,692,810 (4.6 million) recreation visits, up 6% from 2023 (4,446,509 recreation visits), and down 2% from 2021 (4,789,349 recreation visits).
The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years (through October):
2024 – 4,692,810
2023 – 4,446,509
2022 – 3,241,761 (The park was closed June 13 through June 21 due to the historic flood event. Three entrances opened on June 22.)
2021 – 4,789,349
2020 – 3,753,531 (The park was closed March 24 through May 17 due to COVID 19. Two entrances opened on May 18 and the remaining three opened on June 1.)
2019 – 3,979,154
Most roads in Yellowstone closed to vehicle traffic at the end of October in preparation for the winter season and snowmobile and snowcoach travel, which will begin Dec. 15.
More data on park visitation, including how we calculate these numbers, is available on the NPS Stats website (https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/.
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Portland Cello Project Holiday Show Dec. 13 in Pinedale (posted 11/21/2024)
Pinedale Fine Arts Council
The Portland Cello Project (PCP) Quartet will be delighting the audience with classical Christmas sounds on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Sheppard Auditorium in Pinedale.
Just try to be a scrooge at this concert, we dare you! All the gifts in this program are tied together by the cello in the unique ways that have made Portland Cello Project a perennial favorite for over a decade. Portland Cello will present an intimate variety of holiday and holiday-adjacent favorites, including PCP's unique arrangements of Britten's Ceremony of Carols, popular tunes like White Winter Hymnal and Fantasia on Frosty the Snowman, as well as traditional Christmas and Hanukkah songs.
Tickets are on sale now at local Pinedale Fine Arts Council outlets (Office Outlet, Nested West and the Cowboy Shop) and online at pinedalefinearts.com.
LLCs required to file new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by January 1, 2025 (posted 11/18/2024)
Stiff fines and penalties imposed if report is not filed
Pinedale Online!
Some LLC and other corporate business owners may not be aware of a new law requiring them to file what is called a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by the end of this year (2024). There are stiff fines and penalties if the form is not filed, so spread the word around to anyone you know who falls under this new law to make sure they are aware of it. Failure to file may become extremely costly, with civil penalties starting at $500 per day and criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and/or two years in prison.
As of January 1, 2024, entities with 20 or fewer employees or less than $5 million in annual gross sales may be required to submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen). The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a bureau within the United States Department of the Treasury that collects and analyzes information about financial transactions to combat domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. The new beneficial ownership reporting guidelines took effect on January 1, 2024 as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Going forward, many small business entities must report beneficial owners to FinCEN or risk penalties and fines.
As the name implies, a Beneficial Ownership Information report (BOI report) generally provides details about the owner(s) and individuals who control a company. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was passed as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act in 2021 by Congress to help law enforcement flag and respond to financial crimes. This bill mandates many businesses to file a beneficial ownership information report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The stated purpose of this new requirement is to prevent malicious individuals from hiding their identities through the use of shell companies.
According to the Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, "The principal purpose of this collection of information is to generate a database of information that is highly useful in facilitating national security, intelligence, and law enforcement activities, as well as compliance with anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and customer due diligence requirements under applicable law. The provision of that information is mandatory and failure to provide that information may result in criminal and civil penalties."
This new requirement applies to corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), Foreign businesses that make a filing with any state are also subject to the CTA. Sole proprietors and general partnerships, which are businesses that are not created by registering with any state, are not subject to the CTA.
There are two main categories of business entities that are exempt from Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requirements.
- Federally regulated business entities, such as financial institutions, publicly traded companies, and insurance companies
- Large business entities with at least 20 full-time employees, over $5 million in gross receipts, and a substantial U.S. presence
Every LLC created in the USA will have to file a BOI report unless it qualifies for an exemption. Any corporation created by filing with a state or tribal jurisdiction in the U.S. must file. As of January 1, 2024, entities with 20 or fewer employees or less than $5 million in annual gross sales may be required to submit a BOI report.
Who is considered a Beneficial Owner:
- Any individual that owns a minimum of 25% of the legal entity.
- Any individual that holds a significant ability to control, manage, or direct the legal entity.
- Any trust that owns a minimum of 25% of the legal entity.
The business is required to submit an electronic form that includes the following information:
- A name, address, birth date, and a unique ID number for each beneficial owner
- A unique ID number could be a driver’s license number or passport number
- The unique ID may not be the owner’s social security number
- A name, address, registered agent, and tax ID number for the business
- Type of BOI filing (initial filing, correction, or update)
When the Beneficial Ownership Information report is due depends on when you formed your entity. For entities created before January 1, 2024, the report is due by January 1, 2025. No reports were accepted prior to January 1, 2024. For businesses created on or after January 1, 2024, the report is due within 90 days from the time the business receives notice that its registration is effective by the state.
BOI reports are filed electronically through a secure filing system available via FinCEN's BOI E-Filing website (https://boiefiling.fincen.gov). The system provides a confirmation of receipt once a report is successfully filed. There are two ways to file the BOIR: (1) upload a completed PDF or (2) complete the webform. Printed versions of the BOI reporting form is not for submission and will not be processed by FinCEN. There is NO fee to file BOI directly with FinCEN-it’s free (don’t be tricked by companies trying to charge fees to file for you).
There is also no annual reporting requirement for the BOI. Reporting companies must file an initial BOI report and corrected or updated BOI reports as needed.
Here’s the government website again for more information: https://boiefiling.fincen.gov
The holidays are closer than you think (posted 11/13/2024)
Mail and package send-by dates are fast approaching
Because of the way holiday dates fall this year, when you get back from Thanksgiving holiday, it will already be December. That creates a short time frame for those making and buying holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. For those who are planning on putting holiday packages in the mail, here are upcoming recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Christmas, December 25th.
Recommended send-by dates for holiday mail and packages:
USPS Ground Advantage: The last day to mail is December 18, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Packages typically arrive within two to five business days.
USPS First-Class Mail: The last day to mail is December 18, including Alaska and Hawaii. This service is only available for envelopes and postcards, and cards typically arrive within one to five business days.
USPS Priority Mail: The last day to mail is December 19, including Alaska and Hawaii. This flat-rate shipping option typically delivers packages and cards within one to three business days.
USPS Priority Mail Express: The last day to mail is December 21, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This flat-rate shipping option is for gifts that need to arrive within two business days.
FedEx Express Saver: The last day to mail is December 19.
FedEx Ground: The last day to mail depends on the shipping speed selected. For example, the last day to mail for one-day shipping is December 23, while the last day to mail for two-day shipping is December 20.
UPS Next Day Air: The last day to mail is the day before the desired delivery date.
Wyoming Game & Fish to host mule deer conversations across the state (posted 10/29/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is inviting the public to participate in a series of conversations focused on mule deer conservation throughout the state in the coming months. These discussions offer a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with Game and Fish, share insights and discuss the future of Wyoming’s mule deer management.
Local wildlife biologists and game wardens will facilitate discussions on various aspects of mule deer management and conservation. Participants are invited to share their opinions on the future of mule deer, explore both statewide and regional challenges and have the opportunity to share their perspectives on local mule deer herds.
Mule deer are a highly-valued species in Wyoming, drawing widespread interest from hunters, landowners and wildlife enthusiasts. However, mule deer populations have declined across the West for decades. Game and Fish is committed to understanding and conserving this iconic species. A recent survey of resident mule deer hunters highlighted a strong desire for many to stay involved in updates and conversations about mule deer. Mule deer community conversations are designed to provide an opportunity for Wyomingites to have those discussions.
"These meetings are intended to provide the public with an opportunity to directly engage with local wildlife managers regarding mule deer conservation and management," said Deputy Chief of Wildlife Justin Binfet.
Casper Region:
Dec. 3: Lusk, 6-8 pm, Niobrara County Fairgrounds
Dec. 4: Douglas, 6-8 pm, Converse Co. Library
Dec. 5: Glenrock, 6-8 pm, Glenrock Library Meeting Hall
Dec. 6: Casper, 6-8 pm, Casper WGFD office
Dec. 11: Newcastle, 5-7 pm, USDA Building 1225 Washington Blvd.
Dec. 12: Sundance, 6-8 pm, Crook County Courthouse basement
Cody Region:
Dec. 3: Worland, 6-8 pm, Washakie County Fairgrounds, 501 15 Mile Rd, Worland, WY
Dec. 6: Thermopolis, 6-8 pm, Hot Springs County Fire Hall, 400 S 14th St, Thermopolis, WY
Dec. 12: Greybull, 5-7 pm, Greybull Town Hall, 24 S 5th St, Greybull, WY
Lovell: 5-7 pm, Lovell Fire Hall, 314 Nevada Ave, Lovell, WY
Dec. 13: Powell, 4-5:30 pm, WyOld West Brewing Company in Powell (221 N Bent St, Powell, WY 82435)
Dec. 14: Cody, 4-5:30 pm, Millstone Pizza Company & Brewing in Cody (1057 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414)
Green River Region:
Nov. 13: Baggs, 6-8 pm, Higher Education Building
Dec. 12: Green River, 6-8 pm, WGFD Green River Office
Dec. 16: Kemmerer, 6-8 pm, Best Western
Dec. 17: Cokeville, 6-8 pm, Town Hall
Dec. 18: Evanston, 6-8 pm, TBD - Likely Portland Rose Room at the Round House.
Dec. 19: Mountain View, 6-8 pm, School Board Room
Jackson Region:
Nov. 18: Thayne, 5 pm, Community Center
Dec. 2: Jackson, 5:30 pm, Teton County Library
Lander Region: DATES COMING SOON
Laramie Region
Aug. 22: Elk Mountain, 6-8 pm, Elk Mountain Town Park
Aug. 29: Medicine Bow, 6-8 pm, Medicine Bow C-Spear
Nov. 4: Jelm, 6-8 pm, Woods Landing (9 WY 10)
Nov. 6, Cheyenne, 5-7 pm, Laramie County Shooting Complex (13802 Bullseye Blvd)
Nov. 7: Torrington, 5-7 pm, Rendezvous Center, Goshen County Fairgrounds (7078 Fairgrounds Rd)
Nov. 12: Wheatland, 5-7 pm, Agriplex, Platte County Fairgrounds (59 Antelope Gap Rd)
Nov. 14: Saratoga, 6-8 pm, Silver Saddle Room, Saratoga Resort (601 Pic Pike Rd)
Dec. 18: Pinedale:, 5-9 pm, Pinedale Library, Lovatt Room
Sheridan: DATES COMING SOON
Christmas tree permits available on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 10/13/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase at Bridger-Teton National Forest district offices and online through Recreation.gov beginning October 13. Details about where to cut, dates, height restrictions and more can be found at Recreation.gov.
"National forests are full of beautiful landscapes that offer memorable experiences for all," said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "Experiences become memories that last through generations, and exploring a national forest to select a tree that becomes the centerpiece for the holiday season creates a connection between the forest and a family’s story."
To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search "Bridger-Teton National Forest Christmas Tree Permit." It is important to carefully read through the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Each permit is $15, plus a $2.50 processing fee. Users can purchase up to five trees per account. The permit must be printed and placed in the windshield of your vehicle as you remove your tree(s) from the Forest.
Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Visit the Bridger-Teton Alerts and Notices webpage to know the current Forest orders, alerts, notifications and closures. Free motor vehicle use maps may be available at district offices, online via the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or by downloading the Avenza App on your smart phone or tablet.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Kids of all ages can download, color and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. Call your local U.S. Forest Service office for more information about the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.
For other news, events and information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF
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