Committee backs resolution asking Congress to increase Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalties to 87.5%
October 11, 2025 | Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, Select Committees & Task Force, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee voted to advance bill draft 26 LSO 166, a joint resolution requesting Congress to increase Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalties.
Talise Hansen, LSO staff attorney, told the committee the draft asks Congress to introduce and enact legislation increasing Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalty distributions (currently defined in statute at 50% before the statutory administrative reduction) to a higher percentage to be determined by the committee. LSO noted that federal statute (30 U.S.C. §191(a) and subsection (b)) describes the 50% distribution and a 2% administrative reduction.
Committee members discussed target percentages. Co‑chair Wharf said the committee intended to mirror a prior letter that requested an 87.5% state share and 12.5% federal share; the committee adopted language setting the requested share at 87.5% to the state and 12.5% to the federal government. Supporters said the change would help offset revenue losses described in LSO’s fiscal summary, which estimated effects from recent federal royalty rate reductions. Hansen said FY 2024 Wyoming federal mineral royalty receipts were $590,920,971 (LSO figure quoted in the draft).
Industry witnesses told the committee the royalties are already paid by operators and the committee should weigh a practical and legislatively palatable number. LSO noted drafting mechanics and the statutory 2% administrative reduction that affects distributions.
The amendment placing 87.5% in the draft passed on voice vote and the full draft passed by roll call (6 ayes, 0 no). Committee staff recorded the motion as passed and the draft will be carried forward.
Ending: Committee moved next to the Good Neighbor Authority item.
Talise Hansen, LSO staff attorney, told the committee the draft asks Congress to introduce and enact legislation increasing Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalty distributions (currently defined in statute at 50% before the statutory administrative reduction) to a higher percentage to be determined by the committee. LSO noted that federal statute (30 U.S.C. §191(a) and subsection (b)) describes the 50% distribution and a 2% administrative reduction.
Committee members discussed target percentages. Co‑chair Wharf said the committee intended to mirror a prior letter that requested an 87.5% state share and 12.5% federal share; the committee adopted language setting the requested share at 87.5% to the state and 12.5% to the federal government. Supporters said the change would help offset revenue losses described in LSO’s fiscal summary, which estimated effects from recent federal royalty rate reductions. Hansen said FY 2024 Wyoming federal mineral royalty receipts were $590,920,971 (LSO figure quoted in the draft).
Industry witnesses told the committee the royalties are already paid by operators and the committee should weigh a practical and legislatively palatable number. LSO noted drafting mechanics and the statutory 2% administrative reduction that affects distributions.
The amendment placing 87.5% in the draft passed on voice vote and the full draft passed by roll call (6 ayes, 0 no). Committee staff recorded the motion as passed and the draft will be carried forward.
Ending: Committee moved next to the Good Neighbor Authority item.
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