Climate change in Wyoming

Similarly, in northeastern Wyoming, which has large deposits of minerals, coal, and petroleum, competition between mining, energy, and other users could intensify for the meager summer streamflows.

Tourism and recreation, important components of Wyoming’s economy, also depend on adequate supplies of clean water.

Higher temperatures and lower flows could impair water quality by concentrating pollutants and reducing assimilative capacity.

However, these same conditions could decrease water supplies, which also may be needed by natural ecosystems, urban populations, industry, and other users.

[citation needed] Hotter, drier weather could increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, threatening both property and forests.

[citation needed] Since the massive fires of 1988, when nearly half of Yellowstone National Park burned, scientists have been paying close attention to the possible threats from climate change.

Experts agree that the fires of 1988 came about as result of a winter drought, a hot dry summer, and unusually strong winds.

But, with approximately 40% of the Yellowstone still vulnerable to large-scale burns, any increased fire risk due to climate change would pose a significant problem.

Outbreaks of defoliating attacks by western spruce budworms could occur more frequently and become much more damaging for the conifer forests.

Whitebark pine nuts and army cutworm moth caterpillars, which are found in these forests, provide vital food for Wyoming’s grizzly bear population.

[citation needed] The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) has partnerships to secure tax credit bonds for construction of renewable energy projects.

The bonds serve as tax credits for the private-sector partners and provide as tax-free capital financing for renewable energy projects.

Since the renewable power projects would use the transmission capability managed by WIA, the agency will evaluate proposals that meet its criteria.

The program will create geothermal information-sharing tools, including workshops, a Web site, and information packets.