Wyoming's SJ 9 is a joint resolution urging Congress to protect the state's access to federal public lands while ensuring local communities have a say in land management decisions. It opposes broad or indiscriminate sales of public lands and demands federal agencies respect Wyoming's existing land-use plans, county-level input, and multiple-use frameworks that support recreation, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and resource development. The resolution also calls for funding to streamline efficient land exchanges under current laws when they benefit local communities and public access, without advocating for specific policy changes.
SF 84 creates a voluntary program allowing water right holders in Wyoming’s Colorado River basin to apply for projects that reduce water use. Participants must submit applications to the state engineer, which are reviewed to ensure projects reduce "consumptive use" (water fully depleted for agricultural/domestic purposes) or help meet Wyoming’s interstate water obligations. The state engineer approves projects only if they don’t harm other water rights, require public notice, and include a 30-day comment period for affected neighbors. The program expires after a set date (sunset provision) and requires annual reports on conservation outcomes.
Wyoming's HB 78 creates a state-administered Forest Health Grant Program to fund projects improving forest conditions on public and private lands. The program covers up to 75% of eligible project costs (50% on federal land), requiring matching funds from other sources, with projects focused on water quality, wildfire risk reduction, forest product production, or wildlife habitat. Grants require attorney general approval and annual reporting to the Agriculture Committee, with a $3 million appropriation from the general fund starting July 2026. The program expires on July 1, 2030, after which unobligated funds will be returned to non-state donors or reverted to the general fund. It directly affects landowners and forest managers seeking funding for public-benefit forest health initiatives.
Wyoming's SF 123 creates the Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund, administered by the Wyoming Energy Authority, to support the state's traditional energy industries. The fund receives a portion of severance tax revenues (50% for fiscal years 2027-2028, then 50% for 2029 onward) that would otherwise go to the permanent mineral trust fund or school accounts. It provides grants and loans for projects like coal innovation, natural gas, uranium processing, and pipeline infrastructure - requiring a 1:1 match from non-state funds - but explicitly excludes wind and solar energy projects. The fund aims to bolster Wyoming's energy sector, which supports over 60,000 jobs and generates significant state revenue.
Wyoming's HB 120 creates "industrial sovereign zones" where natural gas producers and manufacturers can transform gas into new products (like hydrogen or ammonia) through substantial chemical changes. It provides tax exemptions for facilities in these zones, fast-track permitting for new manufacturing operations, and establishes a voluntary "gold standard" certification for products with low methane emissions (under 0.2%). The bill directly affects natural gas producers selling to these facilities and manufacturers building new processing plants within designated zones. Key provisions include streamlined licensing, tax breaks for machinery and gas sales, and certification standards to promote Wyoming-made products as distinct from raw fossil fuels.
HB 36 creates a specialized wildland fire suppression module within Wyoming's State Forestry Division (part of the Office of State Lands and Investments). It authorizes 12 new positions - two full-time roles (regional fire manager and suppression module leader), plus temporary staff - and appropriates $2.572 million from the general fund specifically for this module. The funds cover hiring, training, equipment, and support for a dedicated wildfire response team focused on fire suppression and hazardous fuels reduction projects. The funding is restricted to these purposes through June 2028, with unspent funds reverting to the state on that date. This bill directly affects the State Forestry Division's operational capacity for wildfire management.
This bill authorizes two new full-time positions within Wyoming's state forestry division (one effective April 2026, one April 2027) to support the forestry conservation inmate crew program. It appropriates $499,709 from the general fund specifically for these positions, associated equipment/supplies, and program costs through June 2028. The funding is tied to coordination with the Department of Corrections and includes specific budgeting instructions for the state's next fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects the state forestry division, the inmate crew program, and the Department of Corrections.
This bill requires Wyoming's state engineer to conduct groundwater studies every decade in counties with designated groundwater control areas. The studies must assess water usage, determine necessary controls to replenish underground water systems, and may include mapping or test wells. Results must be publicly shared and reported to a legislative committee within 15 days of completion. The state engineer's office is allocated $250,000 specifically for this study, which must be finished by June 30, 2028.
This bill amends Wyoming tax law to clarify that most real property owned by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is exempt from property taxes. It specifically exempts property used for wildlife management or employee residences, while requiring a special tax for property used for other purposes (calculated as if it were subject to standard property tax based on fair market value). The changes apply to properties owned by the commission and take effect January 1, 2027, with no impact on taxes assessed before that date. The bill directly affects how the Game and Fish Commission's land and buildings are taxed under state law.
Wyoming's HB 116 prohibits the industrial production of hydrogen by separating water molecules (hydrogen and oxygen atoms) from being considered a "beneficial use" of water under state law. This directly affects companies seeking permits for hydrogen production facilities that rely on molecular water destruction. The bill requires the state engineer to reject such water use applications, with exceptions for wastewater or by-product water use. It applies to all new permit applications filed on or after July 1, 2026, and does not retroactively invalidate existing permits issued before that date.