Wyoming Senate asks Congress to allow state management of mineral leasing after rejecting amendments
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Summary
By a 29–2 vote on Feb. 17, 2026, the Wyoming Senate passed a joint resolution asking Congress to authorize the state to administer mineral leasing on federal lands in Wyoming; two proposed floor amendments were rejected earlier in the session.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Senate on Feb. 17 approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, a measure requesting Congress to amend the Federal Mineral Leasing Act to permit the State of Wyoming to administer and manage mineral leasing on federal lands located in the state.
Senator Eyde offered amendment number 1 to remove language preserving mineral ownership of the underlying estate; Senator Eyde argued the language was unnecessary and could be removed. The amendment failed on a voice vote and standing division. Senator Ayd then offered a second amendment seeking to require that state administration be "consistent with applicable federal laws" unless Congress expressly provided otherwise; that amendment likewise failed after a division.
After rejecting both amendments, the Senate voted on final passage of the joint resolution. The chief clerk announced the result as '29 ayes, 2 nos,' and declared Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed. Supporters said the resolution expresses a policy preference to seek congressional authority for state administration of leasing; opponents raised concerns about preserving federal ownership language and potential conflicts with federal law.
Ending: With the resolution passed, the Senate transmitted its request for congressional action as a formal joint resolution of the chamber.