Episode Details

It's time to take a look at what's happening around Wyoming for Thursday, May 7th. I'm Mac Watson.

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Bridger Pipeline says it already has commitments for around 400,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Cowboy State Daily's Renee Jean reports the company says it's almost enough to green-light construction of the 650-mile pipeline.

"President Trump just signed the cross border permit to this pipeline last week. They already have 89% of the commitments they need to move forward with this pipeline. They said they would build this pipeline if they got the 450,000 so that's 89% of what they said they needed. It's going to use some of the infrastructure that abandoned Keystone XL used. Environmental groups are already signaling that if they say any evidence that this is not being considered as extensively as they think it should be, that they will see us in court."

The pipeline must still clear a federal environmental impact statement, as well as gather a multitude of state and local permits, even as an emerging coalition of opponents have already signaled they're ready to fight the pipeline in court.

Read the full story HERE.

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The US Department of Justice says that it's investigating America's meatpacking industry, something many Wyoming ranchers say is overdue. Cowboy State Daily's Kate Meadows reports that ranchers are welcoming the investigation.

"The US Department of Justice confirmed this week that it is investigating antitrust concerns within the meat packing industry, there are four major meat packing companies that control 85% of the beef market, and that, according to Representative Harriet Hageman, is squeezing cattle producers from all sides. Mark Isley, who is the former president of the National cattleman's Beef Association, said that the cattlemen have been requesting an investigation for a long time. He said, 'If there's monkey business, let's find out what it is and who's behind it.' People are welcoming this investigation, and they're excited for an announcement from the DOJ, which they say they hope comes soon."

The investigation comes as cattle producers continue grappling with rising operating costs, shrinking processing options and concerns that a handful of giant corporations wield too much control over the nation's beef supply.

Read the full story HERE.

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A lithium-ion battery caught fire at a Daniel couple's home as they were waking up on Tuesday. Cowboy State Daily's Renee Jean reports that James Morey says the battery shot flames a foot high.

"These cheaper lithium batteries are more likely to have a chain reaction start, and once one of those little cells gives way, it excites all the other ones, and then the reaction just takes off and goes, these batteries can reach temperatures of 1800 degrees. Water is not a good idea for trying to put these fires out. It won't stop the reaction. It won't even really slow it down."

Morey, a volunteer firefighter, smothered the battery with a towel and tossed it outside onto a concrete pad well away from the house, while his girlfriend called 911.

Read the full story HERE.

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The Wyoming Republican Party can't use its autonomy rights as a shield when sued if it "sat on" them for 40 years, an attorney suing the party argues. Cowboy State Daily's Clair McFarland reports that GOP Chair