Large industrial leases on Wyoming state land would require reviews

Wyoming’s Board of Land Commissioners would complete a written review before approving or renewing covered leases. These rules would cover industrial projects on state land costing at least $15 million or occupying at least 320 acres. Projects producing coal, oil, gas, or other minerals would be excluded. The review would examine possible harm to nature tourism, scenery, and property values and related local property taxes. It would include a digital study of what people could see. Applicants would need a plan to reduce visual harm if their project rises above the natural horizon visible from a national historic trail. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission would report on important big-game migration routes. If it finds a serious concern and the board approves the lease, the board would explain its decision in writing. The review would summarize testimony submitted by county officials and affected property owners, including concerns about local land-use rules, views, and financial harm. Any required aircraft-detection lighting system would use radar activation. The review and any required visual plan would come before lease approval.

County commissioners could request a public hearing that would have to happen before a covered lease is granted. Covered industrial projects would cost at least $15 million or occupy at least 320 acres on state land. Projects producing coal, oil, gas, or other minerals would be excluded. A hearing would be required only if county commissioners request one. The hearing would take place in the county where the land is located, before the lease is granted.

The state land board’s rules would require companies with covered long-term leases to provide a bond for the cost of closing and removing their projects. This requirement would cover long-term leases for industrial projects on state land costing at least $15 million or occupying at least 320 acres. Mineral-production projects would be excluded. The state land board would determine the costs covered by the bond. Companies would deposit it with the Office of State Lands and Investments. The proposal named July 1, 2026, as its effective date, but it failed introduction and did not take effect.