Wyoming Makes It A Crime To Collect Evidence Of Pollution On Public Lands

[KamaAina]

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/14/wyoming-makes-it-a-crime-to-collect-evidence-of-pollution-on-public-lands/

Wyoming has implemented a law that will make it virtually impossible for citizen watchdog groups, whistleblowers, and even concerned private citizens to collect data evidence of pollution outside of city limits.

The law, signed by Governor Matt Mead (R) makes it illegal to collect data, outside of city boundaries, on all lands public, private or federal. It cites “data collection” as meaning “take a sample of material, acquire, gather, photograph or otherwise preserve information in any form from open land which is submitted or intended to be submitted to any agency of the state or federal government.”

Essentially if you live in or visit Wyoming, taking a picture of a polluted stream as a concerned citizen for the purpose of informing the EPA, National Forestry Service or any other agency could land you a $5000 fine and up to a year in jail....

The reality of the law is far more simple. It’s a broad overreach that makes any data collected evidence of a trespassing crime, whether a rancher can prove trespassing or not, rather than evidence of an environmental crime.

[DamnYankeeInHouston]

1. Makes me want to organize a huge sample fest.

[msongs]

2. sounds vaguely unconstitutional. oh look, it's a red state, where excess govt regulation is bad nt

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

3. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures ...

... er, wait Pal, gimme that camera ...

[IcyPeas]

4. Ag-Gag laws

Some states have passed Ag-Gag laws that make it illegal to film what goes on in factory farms. What are they hiding?