Wyoming U.S. House Candidate Proposes Reforming EPA to Advisory Role
Republican U.S. House candidate Steve Friess proposes transforming the EPA into an advisory board for state environmental agencies, arguing that states are capable of managing their own environmental quality. The Sierra Club of Wyoming opposes this, citing concerns about recent data center development and the need for more oversight regarding air and water pollution. Friess believes Wyoming should fiercely negotiate with data centers to provide their own power and use water-efficient cooling.
Republican U.S. House candidate Steve Friess, one of nine candidates for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat, outlined his proposal to convert the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into an advisory board for state environmental quality agencies. Speaking to a political group in Riverton, Friess stated that redundant federal enforcement is unnecessary and that Wyoming's state agencies are competent in managing environmental issues.
The Sierra Club of Wyoming, represented by climate and energy organizer Emma Jones, strongly criticized Friess's plan. Jones called the proposal "ridiculous and harmful," emphasizing that with the recent surge in data center development threatening communities with air and water pollution, more state oversight and transparency are needed, not less. She highlighted that the EPA ensures states meet standards for clean air and water access.
Friess countered the Sierra Club's concerns, agreeing that Wyoming should lead on data center policy. He suggested state leaders should negotiate with data centers to ensure they provide their own power sources, potentially selling excess electricity, and utilize coolants other than water or closed-loop systems to manage water usage. Friess maintained that state departments of environmental quality are well-equipped to handle these issues, rendering EPA regulations duplicative and unhelpful for Wyoming.