EARLY ADOPTER REJECTER: Wyoming has become the first state to officially block the Next Generation Science Standards, which was developed by 26 "lead state partners" that--surprise--did not include the Cowboy State. This provision was tacked on as a footnote to the state's education budget. The most contentious item appears to be the idea that human activities are contributing to climate change and global warming. According to the Casper Star-Tribune, some lawmakers are concerned that "teaching global warming as fact would wreck Wyoming's economy, as the state is the nation's largest energy exporter, and cause other unwanted political ramifications." So far, ten states and the District of Columbia have adopted the standards.
