WY Legislature Moves to Update & Modernize Oil and Gas Regulations

NEWS RELEASE

 
January 30, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Mike Greear
Chair, House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee
mike.greear@wyoleg.gov
307.388-3399
 

WY Legislature Moves to Update & Modernize Oil and Gas Regulations
Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee Announces Plans for Interim Study Aimed at Updating State’s Oil & Gas Laws to Keep Pace with Industry

 
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Working with private and public sector partners and Governor Mark Gordon, leadership of the House and Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee announced plans for an interim study of Wyoming’s oil and gas regulations with the intention of modernizing the state’s laws to better align with current industry practices.
 
“The oil and gas industry has changed markedly over the past several years, with advances in technology, changes in public policy and global factors impacting production and sales,” said Representative Mike Greear, Chair of the House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee.
 
Rep. Greear continued, “However, Wyoming’s regulations have not always kept pace with the changing industry. It’s critical the Wyoming Legislature work in tandem with private and public sector partners on a comprehensive approach that modernizes our laws while protecting private property rights and encourages development.”
 
“Wyoming’s oil and gas producers are critical partners in our state and local economies,” said Senator Jim Anderson, Chair of the Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee. “The oil and gas industry employs over 7,000 people and generates more than $900 million annually for local and state government. We owe it to the industry, private landowners and Wyoming citizens to ensure we have smart, effective regulations in place.”
 
"As the oil and gas industry has evolved, so must Wyoming regulations," Governor Mark Gordon said. "We are already underway examining potential solutions and are looking forward to working with the legislature on developing a comprehensive approach."
 
The Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee plans to address a number of important issues impacting oil and gas production in Wyoming during the upcoming interim, including bonding, the acquisition of oil and gas leases, drilling practices and a host of other critical topics. Working with Governor Mark Gordon, industry and the Wyoming Oil & Gas Commission, the Committee will compile a list of key subjects to address and release them during meetings held in the spring. 
 
“We are committed to a comprehensive approach to getting Wyoming’s regulatory framework up to speed,” said Representative Greear. “This means encouraging oil and gas development while protecting private property rights.
 
“To ensure that Wyoming’s oil and gas industry remains a vital part of our state’s economy requires a legal and regulatory framework that is efficient, effective, and responsive,” said President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming Pete Obermueller. “We are eager to work with the legislature, Governor Gordon, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, landowners, and any other interested party that shares the goal of a vibrant and prosperous Wyoming.”
 
The House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee heard a number of bills this session related to oil and gas production. During the interim, the Committee will build upon these efforts.  
 

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Amendment Introduced to Correct Budget Bill

NEWS RELEASE

Majority of the Wyoming Legislature

 
January 29, 2019
 
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
(307) 360-7060

**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Amendment Introduced to Correct Budget Bill  
Error in Budget Bill Passed Out of Committee Includes Steps for Medicaid Expansion Instead of Intended Study 
 

Cheyenne, Wyo. – An amendment was introduced in the Wyoming House of Representatives today, correcting an error that was made in the general Budget bill passed out of committee last week. The bill included general language moving forward with Medicaid Expansion. However, this was an error and never the intent of the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) and the amendment introduced today would fix this mistake, authorizing a study of Medicaid expansion instead.

“The Joint Appropriations Committee has been clear in our intent to move forward with a study of Medicaid Expansion – nothing more,” said JAC Co-Chair Eli Bebout. “This is simply an error the House and Senate will work swiftly to remedy.”

House Bill 1, General Government Appropriations, was passed by JAC on Friday. The bill was to include a study of Medicaid expansion. However, due to a communications error, incorrect language moving Medicaid expansion forward in the state was included. Upon passage, the concurrent amendments will remove the incorrect language and replace with plans for a study.

“The members of JAC, and our incredible staff have worked day in and day out over the past several weeks to prepare a Budget bill reflective of the priorities of the people of Wyoming,” said JAC Co-Chair Bob Nicholas. “But mistakes do happen and we look forward to correcting the bill to reflect our true intentions on the House and Senate floors.”
 

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Sen. Anderson Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field in Government Contracting

NEWS RELEASE

January 21, 2019
 
Contact: Senator Jim Anderson
Jim. Anderson@wyoleg.gov
(307) 267-5775
 

Sen. Anderson Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field in Government Contracting
Senate File 53 equalizes bidding access for union and non-union companies

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Natrona County Senator Jim Anderson (SD-28) has proposed legislation to level the playing field for union and non-union companies bidding government construction contracts in Wyoming.

Senate File 53 would prohibit a government entity from including language about labor organization agreements in construction contracts. According to the bill, this will “provide for more economical, nondiscriminatory, neutral and efficient procurement of construction related services by governmental entities.”

“To protect taxpayers and ensure equal opportunities for all Wyoming businesses, government construction bids need to be open to all interested companies,” said Senator Anderson. “In no way does this bill forbid a government entity from selecting a company using organized labor nor does it impact private building projects. Rather, this gives all companies equal access to bid on government contracts while improving transparency and lowering costs.”

“We owe it to the people of Wyoming to spend taxpayer money wisely and honor the spirit of Wyoming’s right to work status,” continued Senator Anderson. “Senate File 53 will make sure the government process delivers contracts to the most suitable companies. Period. If a union shop can provide the best product at a lower price great, but we should not artificially restrict competition.”
 SF 53 passed the Senate Committee of the Whole on January 18, 2019 and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate. Sponsors of the bill include Senator Anderson, Senator Brian Boner, Senator Ogden Driskill and Senator Dave Kinskey; along with Representative Aaron Clausen, Representative Tyler Lindholm, Representative Bill Pownall, and Representative Tom Walters.
 

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