Wyoming Representative Discusses Anti-Climate Activism Bill

Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming spoke with the Daily Caller News Foundation about her proposed Stop Climate Change Act of 2026, which aims to impede legal actions by climate activists against energy companies.

Hageman entered Congress after a notable primary victory over Liz Cheney in 2022. Her legislation seeks to prevent the manipulation of climate laws to extort billions from businesses.

Specifically, the bill would dismiss existing climate-related lawsuits, invalidate state laws that penalize energy production, prohibit retroactive lawsuits concerning carbon emissions, and establish the federal government as the exclusive authority on regulating greenhouse gases.

Concerns over Climate Change Litigation

“Many states and local governments seem to have lost the ability to effectively manage these climate issues. I think this is simply another attempt to tax our energy sector,” Hageman commented.

States, including New York and Vermont, have implemented laws that collect funds from fossil fuel companies based on the perceived damages from carbon emissions.

“They’ve developed a rather interesting theory suggesting that fossil fuel companies are to blame for climate change and global warming, which leads them to pursue lawsuits based on nuisance claims,” she noted, emphasizing that her bill aims to stop such legal actions.

For example, the city of Boulder, Colorado is involved in a significant case against Suncor Energy, where local officials are demanding compensation for damages caused by the company’s products. Hageman highlighted the irony of this, pointing out how these products have substantially improved lives.

In discussing the effects of stringent climate policies on Wyoming, she referred to initiatives from the previous Democratic administration that aimed to phase out fossil fuels.

“We could potentially run out of coal for energy production by 2030, not because reserves are lacking, but due to the absence of permits,” Hageman explained.

During the Trump administration, efforts were made to dismantle the previous EPA regulations, but so far, Congress hasn’t solidified those deregulatory actions into law.

“Since 2014, no new coal leases have been issued in Wyoming. This is the result of ongoing opposition to energy companies from both Obama’s and Biden’s administrations,” she elaborated.

Despite the House passing a bill aimed at speeding up permit processes, the Senate still has work to do on this front.

“Acquiring federal coal leases requires significant investment, often in the tens of millions,” Hageman shared. “And understandably, companies are hesitant to make such financial commitments, especially when the political climate is uncertain.”

She brought up the Keystone pipeline project, noting that despite a billion-dollar investment, it was canceled soon after Biden took office, resulting in significant financial loss.

Impact of International Events

Hageman acknowledged the influence of international conflicts, particularly in Iran, on oil prices, but she remained hopeful about a swift resolution to these issues. “Yes, rising gas prices are a concern for everyone,” she said, recalling her own recent experiences with fuel costs while driving across Wyoming.

Despite current prices, she believes this situation is temporary, attributing the difficulties to foreign challenges. “That’s why we need to focus on domestic energy production. We shouldn’t depend on foreign countries for our energy needs,” she insisted.

She contrasted America’s energy policy with that of other nations, notably England, which she feels has made misguided decisions regarding energy independence.

“It’s essential that we continue to pursue more gas, oil, and coal mining leases. Producing uranium and other resources domestically will strengthen our position and reduce dependence on unstable international sources,” Hageman emphasized.

Long-Term Energy Concerns

Hageman expressed that climate activism poses a more significant long-term threat to U.S. energy security than international conflicts like those in Iran.

She cited her past experiences battling radical environmentalists and activist judges. “Germany’s recent decision to engage in deindustrialization speaks to how misguided these policies can be.” She noted the irony in a society voting away jobs and raising living costs through poor energy decisions.

“You can choose to advocate for resource abundance or perpetuate scarcity. I prefer to champion abundance, starting with accessible energy,” Hageman stated.

When reflecting on the energy policies of Europe, Hageman agreed that these approaches have left them with fewer reliable allies. “Just look at how Britain struggled during the Iran conflict. Their energy policies put them at significant risk,” she remarked.

“In pushing for net-zero emissions, they’re raising costs for everyday life while simultaneously becoming reliant on unpredictable foreign governments,” she concluded.

Final Thoughts on Energy and Environment

Hageman offered her perspective on misconceptions surrounding the energy industry. “Many view it as a dirty sector, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I encourage people to visit coal mines and uranium operations,” she said. “People in this industry genuinely care about the environment; after all, their livelihoods depend on it,” she added.