The Wyoming Board of Education decided that the Next Generation Science Standards needed further review after questions were raised about the attitude toward man-made global warming.

Twelve states have so far adopted the standards since they were released in April 2013.

The global warming and evolution components of the syllabus have caused a pushback throughout the country.

Wyoming produces 40% of the nation's coal, with much of it used by power plants to provide electricity.

Minerals taxes on coal provided $1billion to the state and local governments in 2012 and coal mining supports some 6,900 jobs in the state.

The decision to reject the syllabus has been heavily criticised by environmental activists who claim the state’s interest in coal is leading to a selective education system aimed at brainwashing children through the educational system, in order to maintain favour for the “dirty” fuel.

“Wyoming is certainly unique in having legislators and the governor making comments about perceived impacts on the fossil fuel industry of kids learning climate science, and unique in acting on that one objection to prohibit consideration of the package of standards, of which climate science is a small component”, Climate Parents member John Friedrich told local newspaper, the Star Tribune.

However, opponents argue the standards incorrectly assert that man-made emissions are the main cause of global warming and shouldn't be taught in a state that derives much of its school funding from the energy industry.