LANDER, Wyo. — Wyoming has been put on notice by federal authorities — again — with regard to the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plan to reduce pollution haze that comes from coal-fired power plants and trona mining operations in the state. Trona, extensively mined in Wyoming, is a sodium carbonate compound used in making chemicals.

A regional director for the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent a letter saying the state doesn’t appear to be doing enough to address concerns detailed in previous notices, which could mean a “do-over” would be ordered.

Bruce Pendery with the Wyoming Outdoor Council is meeting with EPA officials this week. He says he expects the state plan will be tweaked to align with federal rules intended to reduce haze over national parks and wilderness areas.

If the EPA rejects the state’s latest plan, the federal government could step in with its own plan, according to Pendery. He says that would mean a loss of local control.

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