Latest Wyoming News From The Associated Press

CHEYENE, Wyo. (AP) — Lawmakers are considering a name change for a task force and fund that provides money for research for innovative ways of dealing with carbon dioxide produced by burning coal. The Gillette News Record reports (http://bit.ly/zfOQDf) Senate File 15 would rename the University of Wyoming's Clean Coal Task Force to the "Advanced Conversion Technologies Task Force." The Clean Coal Technology Research Account would change to the "Advanced Conversion Technologies Research Account."

LANDER, Wyo. (AP) — A draft of a plan is expected by March for a new option for allowing a proposed gas drilling projected near the Hoback River headwaters in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming. Plains Exploration and Production Co. wants to drill as many as 136 gas wells from 17 well pads in the forest.

FAIRVIEW, Wyo. (AP) — A rancher who had 98 horses seized by Wyoming Livestock Board officials and law enforcement last May will go on trial this week on animal cruelty charges. The horses seized at James Ridge's ranch near Fairview had allegedly been neglected and starved for months. Livestock Board officials say several other horses were in such bad shape they had to be euthanized immediately.

CODY, Wyo. (AP) — A survey finds that an overwhelming majority of tourists who travel to Cody also visit Yellowstone National Park and favor motel rooms instead of camping. The Cody visitors travel mostly by motor vehicle, tend to shop in Cody, stay an average of one to two nights and rate the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center and Cody Nite Rodeo as the best local attractions besides Yellowstone.