Revenue Committee advances repeal of sales tax on electricity after split testimony on economic effects

The Revenue Committee advanced Senate File 128, a bill that would repeal the state sales tax on electricity, by a 3–2 roll‑call vote following extensive testimony from energy producers, industrial users, municipal officials and rural utilities.

Proponents, including representatives of Wyoming’s mining, trona, petroleum and farming sectors, argued the repeal would reduce operating costs for energy‑intensive industries and agricultural irrigators. “Next to labor costs, electricity is their second highest expense,” said Pete Obermueller, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming. The Wyoming Rural Electric Association’s executive director Sean Taylor said cooperatives support the change “to keep the lights on and keep it as affordable as we possibly can.” Brett Moline of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation said the repeal would help members who spend tens of thousands of dollars on…