Wyoming

EV Charging in Wyoming -

Solar Power in Wyoming -

 Wyoming’s 2026 stance toward commercial EV charging station projects reflects a market‑oriented, fiscally cautious approach that leans heavily on federal funds but avoids direct state ownership or operation of infrastructure. Through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, Wyoming is allocated roughly $26.8 million in federal funding from 2022–2026 to support EV charging infrastructure, but state officials have made clear that the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will not own, operate, or maintain charging stations; instead, the state uses these funds to incentivize private companies or local governments to install and operate stations, with NEVI grants covering up to 80 % of project costs and requiring a 20 % non‑federal match. Wyoming recently achieved “full build‑out status” along its major Alternative Fuel Corridors (Interstates 25, 80, and 90), meaning federally required spacing and minimum station standards are considered met, and remaining NEVI funding can be spent on other, non‑interstate routes and projects.

 In addition to federal planning and funding, Wyoming’s regulatory framework imposes clear tax and reporting requirements on commercial EV chargers that reflect the state’s emphasis on traditional infrastructure funding. As of October 1, 2025, WYDOT began enforcing fuel tax collection on electricity sold at public Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations, treating it as an alternative fuel at a rate of $0.24 per gasoline‑gallon equivalent and requiring station owners to obtain an annual license ($25 per location) and remit monthly reports on usage—even if charging is offered for free. This policy underscores Wyoming’s intent to ensure that electric charging contributes to road‑maintenance revenue similarly to gasoline and diesel fuels.

 When it comes to incentives and broader deployment support, Wyoming’s direct state‑level offerings are modest compared with some other states; there are no major state tax credits for commercial charger installation, though federal credits such as the 30 C tax credit (generally up to 30 % of cost per port) remain available for businesses through mid‑2026, and some local utility rebates provide modest support for DC fast chargers. Meanwhile, private sector deployment remains the primary driver of charging station growth, with hundreds of public charging ports already in place statewide according to national alternative fuel infrastructure data. Wyoming’s 2026 stance can therefore be characterized as facilitative but cautious: supporting commercial EV charging through federal funding programs and ensuring equitable taxation, while relying on market demand and private investment rather than extensive state‑run infrastructure build‑outs.

 Wyoming’s official stance on commercial solar panel projects in 2026 is mixed and evolving, shaped by economic opportunities, political priorities, and regulatory developments. The state has historically lagged in solar deployment; as of 2023 it ranked near the bottom of U.S. states for installed solar capacity (around ~124 MW) but is poised for rapid growth with several large utility‑scale projects planned or approved. A flagship example is the Cowboy Solar Project, a $1.2 billion, 771 MW commercial installation approved by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council, expected to be operational in phases by 2027 and paired with about 268 MW of battery storage. Additional projects like Southern Power’s 150 MW Cheyenne facility and the Brightnight Dutchman Renewable Power Project (nearly 500 MW) show commercial interest and economic investment in the sector. These developments suggest a pragmatic, market‑driven embrace of large solar installations where economic demand, such as data center loads, justifies it.

 However, state political leadership and the Legislature have shown resistance to broader solar expansion—especially at smaller scales or where incentives might compete with fossil fuels. Some legislators have supported resolutions explicitly urging the Governor to oppose subsidization and promotion of commercial solar and wind, framing energy policy around “stable dispatchable base load” sources like coal, natural gas, and hydroelectric rather than renewables. A proposed 2025 bill (SF0183) even sought to prohibit initiating or expanding solar facilities until mid‑2030, though its legislative fate is uncertain. Additionally, legislative efforts to revise net‑metering compensation for distributed solar have surfaced, signaling caution toward incentives that might encourage smaller distributed generation; Senate File 111 would shift compensation to avoided cost for new systems after January 1, 2026.

 At the local and regulatory level, there’s a patchwork of attitudes and policies influencing commercial solar siting. County regulations increasingly require permits, environmental assessments, and impact mitigation (e.g., protections for agricultural soils and setbacks) and have opened public comment periods on wind and solar ordinances. Meanwhile, federal actions like the Bureau of Land Management’s Western Solar Plan — which includes millions of acres of federal land in Wyoming with exclusion criteria to protect wildlife habitat and cultural resources — further shape where commercial solar can realistically develop. Together, these local and federal frameworks reflect a more cautious, land‑use‑aware approach rather than outright opposition, balancing economic development with environmental and community concerns.