Wyoming’s Oil & Gas Regulations Must Reflect Industry of Today, Opportunities of Tomorrow

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature


February 27, 2019

Contact: Representative Mike Greear
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Chair
Mike.Greear@wyoleg.gov

***Joint Op-Ed for Statewide Distribution***

Wyoming’s Oil & Gas Regulations Must Reflect Industry of Today, Opportunities of Tomorrow

The history of oil and gas production in Wyoming runs deep. Native Americans utilized oil in a variety of ways in their daily lives. The first commercial oil well in Wyoming was drilled near present-day Lander in 1883. By the 1920s, Casper had earned the moniker “Oil City,” as its economy centered around oil production and refining.

Today, oil and gas production plays an important role in the Wyoming economy. State budgets rise and fall with the price of a barrel of oil and hard-working families from Pinedale to Cheyenne put food on their tables thanks to paychecks earned toiling in the oil and gas fields that dot the Wyoming landscape. To that end, it is imperative the state recognize the importance of supporting oil and gas as a bedrock industry in Wyoming while also balancing the need to mitigate impacts on our natural resources and ensure private property rights continue to be held in high regard.

As the 65^th General Session of the Wyoming Legislature commenced last month, it became increasingly clear we needed to take an in-depth, comprehensive look at oil and gas statutes and regulations at the state level.  We have tackled several issues on a case by case basis – including the consolidation of the State Energy Office, Wyoming Pipeline Authority and Wyoming Infrastructure Authority into a one-stop Wyoming Energy Authority. The time is right for a more holistic approach when it comes to addressing oil and gas regulations as well.

As Chairs of the Joint Interim Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, and in conjunction with Governor Mark Gordon and the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, we are announcing plans for an interim study of Wyoming’s oil and gas statutes and regulations with the intention of modernizing the state’s laws to better align with industry practices and the needs of all parties involved.

Given that the oil and gas industry has changed markedly over the past several years, with advances in technology, changes in public policy and the increasing importance of global factors in production and sales, it is critical the Wyoming Legislature work in tandem with private and public sector partners on a comprehensive approach that modernizes our laws. Addressing oil and gas statutes and regulations as an interim topic will allow us to take a deep dive into these issues without the time constraints placed on policymakers during the legislative session.

We often hear from those interested in diversifying the economy that one of the biggest hindrances to growth is arcane government regulations. And while the Legislature has acted to remedy this in other industries like banking, healthcare and agriculture, we continue to lag behind when it comes to oil and gas production. Technological advances have made the industry far safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Our regulatory framework should recognize these facts, becoming more responsive and solidifying the rights of surface property owners.

As lawmakers, we are committed to getting this right. The stakes are just too high for our economy, our communities and the safety and well-being of Wyoming citizens.

In the interim, the Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee will develop a robust schedule of meetings and discussion topics with a goal of crafting a strategic overhaul of the regulatory and legal framework concerning oil and gas operations in Wyoming. This endeavor will require heavy lifting from many including legislators, the executive branch, private industry, the nonprofit sector, landowners and interested members of the public. Dialogue will be key and compromise inevitable but, in the end, we hope to have a Wyoming that is better suited to move oil and gas production into the future.

Representative Mike Greear (HD-27) is Chairman of the House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee. Senator Jim Anderson (SD-28) is Chairman of the Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee. The Legislative Service Office provides email notifications of Interim Committee Meetings. To sign up for alerts, visit: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WYLSO/subscriber/new.

-END-

Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Act Approved By Wyoming Legislature

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Senator Tara Nethercott Tara.Nethercott@wyoleg.gov (307) 399-7696 Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Act Approved By Wyoming Legislature Senator Nethercott lauds passage of bill to combat Medicaid fraud and abuse Cheyenne, Wyo. – Senator Tara Nethercott (SD-04) lauded the passage today of SF 85 – Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Act, important legislation that will help combat Medicaid fraud and abuse. The bill codifies into law the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as a permanent entity of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office and gives the unit wide authority to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud throughout the state. “Medicaid fraud is a one-two punch for Wyoming taxpayers,” said Senator Nethercott. “Not only does it hinder the state’s ability to serve the people who need it most, it also increases the costs of healthcare overall.” “It is our duty, as legislators, to protect Wyoming taxpayers by ensuring their money is being spent on legitimate claims,” continued Senator Nethercott. “This bill makes certain the AG’s Office has the tools it needs to combat Medicaid fraud, ultimately saving hardworking Wyoming families money, improving the overall quality of our healthcare system and protecting the state’s investment.” SF 85 is co-sponsored by Senator Liisa Anselmi-Dalton, Senator Fred Baldwin, Senator Brian Boner, Senator Ogden Driskill, Senator Dave Kinskey, Senate President Drew Perkins, Representative Mike Greear, Representative Lloyd Larsen, Representative Bill Pownall, Representative Clark Stith, and Representative Sue Wilson. The bill has passed both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature and currently awaits Governor Gordon’s signature to be enacted. About Wyoming’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Wyoming’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is a specialized task force responsible for investigation and prosecution of Medicaid provider fraud as well as abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Medicaid funded healthcare facilities.  The Unit works with many federal and state partners to achieve its mission. In 2018, the Unit prosecuted three cases with United States Attorney’s Office, which resulted in total in over 10 years prison time and $8 million restitution to the Medicaid program.  The Unit also brings civil false claims actions and participates with other states in federal false claims cases. In 2018 the Unit worked with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit to file suit against Purdue Pharma L.P. for damages caused to the State by the opioid epidemic. The Unit’s civil recoveries in 2018 totaled over $450,000 for the Medicaid program.  Suspected Medicaid fraud can be reported to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll free at 1-800-378-0345. For more information or to report fraud through the Unit's online fraud reporting form, please visit http://ag.wyo.gov/medicaid-fraud-control-unit.  -End-

Wyoming Legislature Tackles Criminal Justice Reinvestment

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
February 20, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
House Speaker Pro Tempore
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
 

Wyoming Legislature Tackles Criminal Justice Reinvestment
Lawmakers pass four bills to reduce parole/probation revocations, relieve pressure on state prison system and save money

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – The Wyoming Legislature passed a slate of bills aimed at tackling criminal justice reinvestment in Wyoming. Based on recommendations from the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, formed after a nearly year-long study, the bills offer science-based solutions to the pressures on the state’s prison system.
 
“The fact is, if we do nothing, Wyoming will need an additional 200 beds in our state facilities by 2023, resulting in an additional $51 million in construction and operating costs for the Department of Corrections,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Dan Kirkbride. “We owe it to the people of Wyoming to get this right. We must address the growing pressure on our prison system while making sure the victims and their families get the justice they deserve.”
 
“In 2017 alone, over half of the admissions to the prison system were the result of probation or parole violations, most of which were the result of technical violations and not new criminal activity,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Tara Nethercott. “Reducing these supervision revocations by just 5% could save the Department of Corrections $18.1 million a year that could be reinvested in programs to further reduce recidivism rates.”
 
All four of these bills came out of recommendations from the 2018 Joint Interim Judiciary Committee based on a report generated by the CSG in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Corrections and the Wyoming Board of Parole. The CSG has been on the ground in Wyoming since May of 2018 and has analyzed approximately 1.2 million Wyoming records. The four bills include:
 
House Bill 45 - Crime victim compensation eligibility clarification extends the deadline for victims of crime to be compensated for mental health counseling and care to 36 months after the crime. Governor Gordon signed the bill into law on February 14, 2019.
 
House Bill 53 - Probation and parole-incentives and sanctions aims to keep people from re-entering the prison system by allowing judges and supervision officers to prescribe lesser punishments such as shorter stays in a county jail or community corrections programs. HB 53 has passed both chambers and awaits Governor Gordon’s signature.
 
Senate File 10 - Modification of probation allows judges to prescribe supervised or unsupervised probation for all crimes not eligible for life without parole or death penalty. It also allows for the reduction in probation time based on several factors including, among others, stable employment, community and family support and successful completion of alcohol or substance abuse programming. Governor Gordon signed the bill into law on February 15, 2019.
 
Senate File 38 – Limitation of length of probation sets the maximum sentence of probation at 36 months based on data-driven evidence that the majority of probation violations occur in the first 36 months of probation. The Joint Conference Committee Report on SF 38 was adopted by both Chamber and now awaits the Governor’s signature.
 

-END-

Bill to Honor Wyoming’s Wild Horses Sent to Governor Gordon for Signature

NEWS RELEASE

 
Contact: Senator Hank Coe
Hank.Coe@wyoleg.gov
(307) 587-4655
 

Bill to Honor Wyoming’s Wild Horses Sent to Governor Gordon for Signature
Senator Coe and Representative Newsome celebrate passage of SF 112 designating the Wild Horse Highway in Park County

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Senator Hank Coe (SD-18) and Representative Sandy Newsome (HD-24) lauded the passage of Senate File 112 – Wild Horse Highway Designation on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. SF 112 designates a section of U.S. Highway 14/16/20 between Wyoming State Highway 32 and the Cody city limit boundary as the “Wild Horse Highway.”
 
The McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, located just east of Cody, is bisected by U.S. Highway 14/16/20 and is a major tourist draw to Park County. The McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd is known for their variety of coat colors and patterns and the relative ease in which visitors can catch a glimpse of the horses.
 
“Wild horses have a storied history in Park County, adding to our scenic landscapes and western spirit,” said Representative Newsome. “I am pleased our colleagues recognized the importance of these horses to history and tourism in Park County, as well as Wyoming at large, and saw fit to honor them with this designation.”
 
“A highway designation is the least we can do in recognition of the impact wild horses have had on our shared history and tourism-based economy,” said Senator Coe. “People come from around the world to view these descendants of Buffalo Bill Cody’s herd and this designation will only help attract more people to the area.”
 
SF 112, sponsored by Senator Coe and Representative Newsome, along with Representative David Northrup, Representative John Winter and Senator Eli Bebout. The bill, now Senate Enrolled Act 26, awaits Governor Mark Gordon’s signature.
 

-End-

Career Technical Education Opportunity Bill Slated for Signature by Gov. Gordon

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
February 13, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
House Speaker Pro Tempore
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
 

Career Technical Education Opportunity Bill Slated for Signature by Gov. Gordon
Hathaway Scholarship Eligibility Legislation Expands Workforce Training for Wyoming Students While Helping to Bolster Economy

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Delivering on its promise to help ensure Wyoming citizens have more education and workforce training opportunities in order to pursue their dreams while growing the state’s economy, the Wyoming Legislative Majority applauded passage of Senate File 43, Hathaway Scholarship eligibility this week. The bill, which amends elective course requirements to include career-technical education and fine and performing arts to the current foreign language requirements, is an important piece of the GOP Leadership’s agenda to expand higher education and workforce training opportunities.
 
“In today’s economy, it is important to recognize that a traditional university isn’t the right fit for every student, nor does every job require a baccalaureate degree,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Hank Coe. “Senate File 43 opens up the Hathaway eligibility requirements for students in recognition of the wide variety of career paths available to Wyoming citizens of all ages.”
 
Workforce development has been a key topic of discussion for legislative leadership, the business community and the Executive Council of the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) initiative. According to the ENDOW Report, “one of the biggest barriers highlighted by businesses in Wyoming was a lack of skilled workers.” SF 43 strives to address this issue by encouraging training at the high school level so students are better prepared to enter the workforce or a post-secondary training program upon graduation.
 
“The Joint Interim Education Committee heard from countless industry representatives that workforce training is sorely needed in this state,” said House Education Committee Vice Chairman Jerry Paxton. “By including career-technical education and fine and performing arts to the elective requirements for Hathaway Scholarship eligibility, we allow students to take advantage of our flagship scholarship program in a way that advances their chosen career goals and better prepares them for the future.”
 
Senate File 43, now known as Senate Enrolled Act 20, was sponsored by the Joint Interim Education Committee and passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support. The bill currently awaits Governor Gordon’s signature.
 

-END-

WY GOP Leadership Statement on Complaint from Wyoming Equality

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
February 11, 2019
 
Contact: Senator Dan Dockstader
Senate Majority Floor Leader
Dan.Dockstader@wyoleg.gov

WY GOP Leadership Statement on Complaint from Wyoming Equality
 

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming Senate President Drew Perkins, Majority Floor Leader Dan Dockstader and Senate Vice President Ogden Driskill released the following statement today concerning a complaint filed by Wyoming Equality regarding a visit to the Capitol from students participating in the Gay-Straight Alliance Civics Day.

“In Wyoming, we believe in respect, civility and compassion. Here in the Wyoming Legislature, it is no different. We take the concerns raised on behalf of these students very seriously. Absolutely no one should be made to feel dismissed, disrespected or degraded.”

“Let us be clear, the message from the Wyoming Senate is this – all Wyoming citizens are welcome here. We want to hear from you. We need to hear from you. We are blessed to have a citizen legislature in Wyoming, and that means the voices of every single person should be heard and considered.”

“In the coming days, we will continue through the process designed to properly vet and address complaints filed against Members. Both Senator Hutchings and these students deserve fair consideration and respect as we work to address this matter.”

An informal complaint letter was sent by the Board of Directors of Wyoming Equality on behalf of GSA students. Per policy and rule of the Legislature, complaints filed against individual members and proceedings that follow are confidential.

-End-

Senate Welcomes All Wyomingites to Express Their Ideas

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
February 11, 2019
 
Contact: Senator Drew Perkins
Senate President
Drew.Perkins@wyoleg.gov
 

***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Statement from Senate President Drew Perkins
Senate Welcomes All Wyomingites to Express Their Ideas

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Senate President Drew Perkins issued the following statement this morning welcoming all residents of Wyoming to share their ideas with their elected representatives.

"The Wyoming Senate is a wonderful institution entrusted with crafting the laws of this state through the informed and civil exchange of ideas. The Senate is made up of a wide array of Members representing a people as diverse as the Wyoming terrain; a people of varying beliefs, goals and visions for the future. As the Senate President, I am dedicated to maintaining the long tradition of the Senate as an institution where Wyomingites can respectfully express ideas to their citizen Senators and receive the same level of respect in return. I welcome all residents to the Senate and encourage everyone to share their thoughts with us all."

 

-END-

General Session of 65th WY Legislature Hits Half-Way Point

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
February 4, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Eric Barlow
House Majority Floor Leader
Eric.barlow@wyoleg.gov
 

General Session of 65^th WY Legislature Hits Half-Way Point
House & Senate Majority Floor Leaders Release Statements on Bill Progress

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow and Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Dockstader released the following statements today, marking the approximate half-way point for the General Session of the 65^th Wyoming State Legislature and the last day for bills to be reported out of their house of origin.
 
“As a citizen legislature, we have a finite amount of time during the legislative session to consider bills,” said House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow. “As Majority Floor Leaders, we work hard to ensure every lawmaker has the chance to bring to light the issues they feel are important while prioritizing bills reflective of the shared priorities of lawmakers. This includes financial stability for our General Fund and school obligations, efficient government operations, fortifying economic opportunities with education for our children and job training for our workforce, healthcare options that improve access and affordability and, finally, clearing the way for our core industries to thrive.”
 
“This session, there are many ideas that have been brought forth by members worthy of our attention,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Dockstader. “However, hard choices are required and it is our job as leadership to remain focused on tackling the major challenges we face as a state. And while many of the bills we have considered this session will, of course, not all become law, they help facilitate important debate and discussions. I join Representative Barlow in commending all Members of the Wyoming Legislature for their hard work and dedication to this point. We look forward to finishing out this session strong and delivering real solutions for the people of Wyoming.”
 
A total of 499 bills were filed in the Wyoming Legislature this session, 326 in the House of Representatives and 173 in the Senate. As of Monday afternoon, 291 bills remain active in the House and 137 files in the Senate. Wednesday, February 6 is the last day for third reading on bills in their body of origin.

 

-END-