Committee backs bill to block net increase of federal land ownership in Wyoming; state lands, trust revenue debated

House Bill 118, described by its sponsor as a measure “to keep Wyoming lands in Wyoming hands,” advanced from the Agriculture, State & Public Lands & Water Resources Committee by an 8–1 roll-call vote.

The bill would amend statutory provisions governing exchanges and transfers of state lands to prohibit transactions that result in a net gain of federal surface or mineral acreage within Wyoming. Sponsor Representative Banks told the committee the measure seeks to prevent further expansion of federal ownership and preserve lands and minerals for state use and revenue.

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, who sits on the State Board of Land Commissioners, testified in support. Degenfelder said she backed the bill both to limit federal acreage and to protect the board’s fiduciary duty to maximize long-term returns for the K–12 permanent fund; she noted that federal ownership already accounts for a large proportion of Wyoming surface…