Committee advances joint resolution asking Congress to let Wyoming administer federal mineral lease sales
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 a joint resolution asking Congress to amend the Federal Mineral Leasing Act to authorize the state of Wyoming to administer and manage leasing of federal minerals located in Wyoming.
Talise (Talise/Talise) Hansen, staff attorney with the Legislative Service Office (LSO), presented bill draft 26 LSO 204 and said the draft requests that Congress introduce and enact a law authorizing the state to administer oil, gas and coal leasing on federal lands in Wyoming. Hansen summarized the draft’s background sections citing the Federal Mineral Leasing Act, past moratoriums and recent federal leasing activity.
Co‑chair Wharf moved the draft; Senator Larson seconded. The committee approved a conceptual amendment to expand the request to “all minerals under the Federal Mineral Leasing Act” rather than only oil, gas and coal. The amendment passed on voice vote and the full motion passed on roll call (6 ayes, 0 no) and was recorded as moving forward from committee.
Sponsors and proponents told the committee the resolution is intended to protect Wyoming revenue streams and provide continuity of leasing activity in the event of federal moratoria, administrative reversals or federal shutdowns. Supporters said state administration would shorten delays, rely on state experience administering state mineral programs, and allow Wyoming to proceed if federal agencies are unable or unwilling to administer lease sales.
Opponents and questioners pressed several operational points: Representative Davis asked about costs and what the state would need to stand up to administer federal lease sales (staffing, funding, legal authority). LSO staff said the draft was written as a joint resolution requesting Congress to amend federal law and that implementation details, costs and authority would require further work and likely federal statutory change. Industry witnesses said they want competitive, workable leases but cautioned the committee to seek a workable “sweet spot” on price and terms.
Action: Roll call on 26 LSO 204 (as amended) recorded ayes from Senator Dockstader, Senator Larson, Representative Davis, Representative Erickson, Co chairman (Wharf) and Chairman Wurf (6 ayes). Committee staff recorded the motion as passed and the draft will be carried forward for further drafting and follow‑up with the legislative body.
Ending: Committee moved next to related royalty and forest management bills.
Talise (Talise/Talise) Hansen, staff attorney with the Legislative Service Office (LSO), presented bill draft 26 LSO 204 and said the draft requests that Congress introduce and enact a law authorizing the state to administer oil, gas and coal leasing on federal lands in Wyoming. Hansen summarized the draft’s background sections citing the Federal Mineral Leasing Act, past moratoriums and recent federal leasing activity.
Co‑chair Wharf moved the draft; Senator Larson seconded. The committee approved a conceptual amendment to expand the request to “all minerals under the Federal Mineral Leasing Act” rather than only oil, gas and coal. The amendment passed on voice vote and the full motion passed on roll call (6 ayes, 0 no) and was recorded as moving forward from committee.
Sponsors and proponents told the committee the resolution is intended to protect Wyoming revenue streams and provide continuity of leasing activity in the event of federal moratoria, administrative reversals or federal shutdowns. Supporters said state administration would shorten delays, rely on state experience administering state mineral programs, and allow Wyoming to proceed if federal agencies are unable or unwilling to administer lease sales.
Opponents and questioners pressed several operational points: Representative Davis asked about costs and what the state would need to stand up to administer federal lease sales (staffing, funding, legal authority). LSO staff said the draft was written as a joint resolution requesting Congress to amend federal law and that implementation details, costs and authority would require further work and likely federal statutory change. Industry witnesses said they want competitive, workable leases but cautioned the committee to seek a workable “sweet spot” on price and terms.
Action: Roll call on 26 LSO 204 (as amended) recorded ayes from Senator Dockstader, Senator Larson, Representative Davis, Representative Erickson, Co chairman (Wharf) and Chairman Wurf (6 ayes). Committee staff recorded the motion as passed and the draft will be carried forward for further drafting and follow‑up with the legislative body.
Ending: Committee moved next to related royalty and forest management bills.
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