Lawmakers would approve major Wyoming energy projects before construction starts

Lawmakers would have to approve covered large power plants and industrial electricity projects before construction begins. The requirement would cover large power plants and new or expanded industrial electricity use seeking state financial support that materially enables construction, connection, or service. Plants would qualify with at least 150 megawatts of generating capacity, a wind project covering at least 5,000 acres, or a solar project covering at least 500 acres. Large industrial users would qualify under the electricity-demand thresholds described in the service rule below. Approval would require a bill or resolution devoted solely to approving projects or specific state funding. Approval would be waived if the Public Service Commission declares an electricity shortage caused by unforeseen circumstances or an emergency. Routine maintenance, like-for-like replacement, and output increases at existing projects would be exempt if they do not exceed the listed thresholds. The proposal specifies July 1, 2026, as its effective date. It would cover large plants and industrial users first seeking state support on or after that date and preserve earlier contracts and agreements.

Public utilities would not have to serve covered large industrial electricity users. They could serve them with lawmakers’ approval. Covered users would seek state support that materially enables construction, connection, or service. Their new or expanded demand would reach at least 75 megawatts at a site or related campus, or at least 100 megawatts across linked facilities. Facilities under common ownership or control would count together if they share an electricity connection or belong to one integrated development plan phased or built within five years. The emergency-shortage and qualifying existing-project-work exceptions would waive the approval requirement. Contracts and agreements made before the proposed effective date would remain protected. The proposed July 1, 2026, start would apply to covered industrial users first seeking state support on or after that date.

Public agencies and local governments would need lawmakers’ approval before committing covered state money or financial support to energy projects. The funding rule would cover direct or indirect state commitments totaling at least $200,000 for electricity projects and related infrastructure. Support includes grants, loans, tax incentives, and state-backed financing. Approval would identify the projects, funding amounts and sources, intended uses, and any performance or repayment terms. It would explain whether and how added costs would be kept off other electricity customers’ bills. Documents submitted to a state agency or state body for project approval would also go to lawmakers. Approval would be waived for declared emergency or unexpected electricity shortages and qualifying routine work on existing projects. The funding section covers projects of any size, but the overall application clause names only large plants and industrial users seeking state support. Coverage of smaller projects is unclear. The proposal specifies July 1, 2026, as its effective date and would preserve contracts and agreements made before that date.