Carrie Satterwhite
LibertarianQ1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS, CONSERVATION, AND LAND USE Wyoming is known for its land and natural resources (e.g. water resources, public lands, wildlife, air quality, wind & nuclear energy, mining & fossil fuel extraction). Considering Wyoming’s resources, what policies and efforts, if any, will you prioritize, such as environmental projects, conservation efforts, research, or economic growth, in regard to land management and use?
“First would be to public land preservation. Keeping our pristine lands pristine. Keeping our water safe for not just us but our wildlife. Mining of fossil fuels and extraction are important to Wyoming but we also must make it safe for the land and for the people living around it. Nuclear energy is one of the priorities I would ask what are we doing with the waste from this endeavor. It’s important to read every bill that comes through because words matter. Asking questions about the waste from these endeavors and how these endeavors are processed. Making sure that we’re taking care of the land and the people living on it is of utmost importance.”
Q2 DATA CENTERS A recent Associated Press report described proposals for large AI data centers in Wyoming, which could bring significant economic development but also substantially increase demands on the state’s electricity and water resources. What is your stance on expanding data centers across Wyoming, and what scientific, economic, and environmental evidence has informed that position—particularly regarding grid reliability, water use, emissions, and long-term benefits for Wyoming communities?
“I believe economic growth is important but you have to ask at what cost. What increase in demands on the electric and the water would be necessary and how will it affect the environment. Will it contaminate and how will it contaminate. If it’s a danger to the people or to the environment we need to ask is the benefit worth the damage that could be caused.”
Q3 K-12 EDUCATION What do you see as the main strengths and areas for improvement in Wyoming’s science education curriculum and students’ science proficiency? What changes, if any, would you propose to science education policy or curriculum, and why?
“Well he has some of the finest schools in the country. I would have to investigate a little further to find out where we stand in just the science curriculum education and where it falls short to help develop a good science education policy or curriculum. Well I believe this fall to most of the local school boards It’s always important to say informed within your district and the state to know what might need to be changed and be a part of the change”
Q4 PUBLIC HEALTH Wyoming meets an estimated 32.3% of its mental-health care needs, and many residents live in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Areas. What health and science-policy initiatives, if any, would you prioritize to address health-care access and workforce capacity statewide, including in rural and underserved communities? What evidence would guide those decisions?
“Wyoming needs to expand Medicaid to make it possible for people to get health care needs met. This will also help improve the hospital districts that are struggling to keep the doors open to provide services to those that already have insurance. We need to also try to increase the professionals that work within these institutions. We need to make sure that we have plenty of beds for mental health and for addiction patients. Providing funding for these things are most important.”
Q5 FUNDING FOR UNIVERSITY The University of Wyoming is the state’s only public four-year university. In early 2026, the Joint Appropriations Committee considered a proposal that could have reduced the University’s state funding by approximately 11%, with differing effects across colleges and programs. What was your position on that proposal, and what role, if any, should the University play in future state-budget priorities? Please explain your approach to state support for academic programs, research, and student services, as well as the evidence or principles that would guide those decisions.
“UW is one of the finest institutions in the country. It would be my stance to continue the funding as is but making sure to question their budget each year to make sure that they’re not taking advantage. Having a peer group meet and discuss whether the universities meeting the needs of the students and the state is one way of making sure that they have curriculum that is keeping up with the times and the needs of employers/ employees.”