Troy Lake Pardon on the Table in Letter from Wyoming Lawmakers

Wyoming Lawmakers Push for Troy Lake Pardon

On August 26, 2025, Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman and more than 40 legislators signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice requesting a Troy Lake Pardon. Lake, a small businessman from Wyoming and owner of Elite Diesel, was convicted in 2023 for violating the Clean Air Act. Lawmakers argue that his conviction was unjust and politically motivated.

The letter, sent to Pardon Attorney Edward J. Martin Jr., asks President Donald Trump to restore Lake’s rights through clemency. Supporters say his work benefited truck drivers, school buses, and small businesses facing costly emissions system problems.

Background Leading to the Troy Lake Pardon Request

Lake’s case began in 2018, when federal agents and local law enforcement raided his business in full tactical gear. Prosecutors accused him of tampering with diesel engines by disabling federally mandated emissions controls.

He was later sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, fined $52,500, and labeled a felon. His supporters claim the punishment cost him not only his livelihood but also his fundamental rights, including voting and firearm ownership.

The push for a Troy Lake Pardon is centered on the argument that his modifications improved safety and reliability for vehicles in harsh conditions. Wyoming lawmakers say this was especially important for school buses that carry children daily.

Lawmakers Defend the Troy Lake Pardon Effort

In their letter, legislators called Lake’s conviction an example of regulatory overreach. They criticized the EPA’s CO2 endangerment finding, which has been the foundation for many Clean Air Act prosecutions.

Supporters argue that Lake’s case was politically charged. They point to the presiding judge, who reportedly said she wanted to “make an example” of him. For lawmakers, this statement reinforced the idea that his punishment was more about politics than fairness.

By highlighting this, Neiman and his colleagues stress the need for a Troy Lake Pardon to restore what they view as lost justice.

Broader Impact of the Troy Lake Case Debate

The debate over the Troy Lake Pardon ties into larger questions about emissions rules and enforcement. Supporters believe the case illustrates how environmental regulations can clash with the economic realities of trucking and small diesel businesses.

On the other side, critics of tampering with emissions systems warn that rolling back rules could increase air pollution and public health risks. The EPA maintains that enforcement ensures fair competition for companies that follow the law.

What Comes Next in the Troy Lake Pardon Case

The Office of the Pardon Attorney will now review the request. If granted, a Troy Lake Pardon would clear his felony record and restore his civil rights.

For now, Wyoming lawmakers say the case represents more than one man’s conviction. They frame it as a test of government overreach and fairness. Their letter closes by urging President Trump to grant the Troy Lake Pardon and restore Lake’s name and rights.