Committee Debates Requiring Legislative Approval for Large Energy Project Funding; No Action Taken

Summary

Senate File 83 would require legislative authorization for state funding of large energy projects (defined in the draft as projects over $400,000). The committee heard extensive testimony from the Wyoming Energy Authority and stakeholders about timelines, federal matches and the state's existing review process, then took no action on the bill.

Senate File 83, a bill that would require legislative authorization for large energy-project funding, drew sustained questioning from members of the Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee but received no action at the hearing.

Sponsor Senator Steinmetz told the committee the bill is intended to insert clearer legislative oversight into energy-project appropriations by defining "large energy projects" (draft threshold: $400,000), requiring reports on recipients and amounts, and requiring legislative authorization by enactment of a bill for expenditures above the threshold. "I believe that the legislature should be more involved in appropriating such a substantial amount of funds in the state and setting energy policy," the sponsor said during his presentation.

Rob Krieger, executive director of the Wyoming Energy…

Committee Debates Requiring Legislative Approval for Large Energy Project Funding; No Action Taken

Summary

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