Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday signed the first two bills of the eight-day virtual legislative session.
The bills are pieces of legislation that Gordon supported and that provide a boost to the state’s energy, minerals and agricultural industries.
The new laws direct the Wyoming Energy Authority to support efforts to expand the state’s rare earth minerals industry and implement recommendations made by his Invasive Species Initiative.
“These bills reflect my commitment to strengthen and expand our energy industry and address the challenges posed by terrestrial invasive species,” Gordon said. “This is a positive next step in our effort to strengthen Wyoming’s economy.”
Senate File 43, Wyoming Energy Authority Amendments adds geothermal and pumped hydro energy projects to the list of projects that can be supported by the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA).
The changes also allow the WEA to support and issue bonds, under their existing authority, for projects involving rare earth minerals, critical materials, trona and other minerals.
Gordon also signed House Bill 53 Invasive Plant Species legislation which implements several recommendations made in the final report of the Governor’s Invasive Species Initiative and allows local districts more latitude when implementing special management programs for invasive species.
“Invasive species are a concern for our producers, managers and indeed our land,” Gordon said. “This bill gives Weed and Pest districts more ability to work with state, federal, and private managers and increase our impact on invasive plant species throughout the state”
The governor also signed bills that support and add to Wyoming’s economy in the coming year including approval of large projects for wildlife conservation and water development.
These projects bolster the economy through construction, and the long-term benefits will also support wildlife, tourism, agriculture and highway safety. These bills are: SF 37, HB 44, and HB 66.
“These bills improve the quality of life for all Wyoming citizens and directly support two of the pillars of our economy – tourism and agriculture,” Gordon said. “In addition to the long-term benefits of improved habitat, water and irrigation infrastructure in the coming years, they use special revenue to provide additional economic stimulus to the communities where the work is being performed.”
Other bills the Governor signed on Monday include:
HB0003 HEA0001 Certified addictions practitioners-certification amendments
HB0006 HEA0002 Trust company amendments
HB0034 HEA0003 Youthful offender program-amendments
HB0042 HEA0004 Chancery court vacancy amendments
HB0048 HEA0005 Community juvenile services block grant program
SF0063 SEA0001 PWMTF reserve account-distribution timing
SF0042 SEA0002 Out-of-state state bank charter conversions
SF0041 SEA0003 Tax lien enforcement-amendments
