Joint Minerals Committee Meeting Summary (May 21 and 22, 2003)

The Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee met on May 21 and 22, 2003 in Casper.  The Committee was updated on the progress being made by the Wyoming Pipeline Authority.  The Committee heard testimony regarding the state’s need for pipeline options to move natural gas production to market.  The Committee also received a report regarding the now dormant status of the Wyoming Energy Commission and remaining issues the Commission would like to see addressed.  The Governor’s energy policy advisor explained energy issues that the Governor has an interest in, including electric transmission.

The Committee received a great deal of testimony on oil and gas proration.  The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission testified regarding other states’ experience with proration and provided information regarding the state’s pipeline capacity.  With a unanimous vote, the Committee decided not to pursue the proration.  The Committee voted not to pursue legislation that would require state agencies to perform a cost-benefit analysis for rules affecting small business.  The Committee also received proposed rules for business-ready communities.  The Committee will be given time to comment on the rules and then the rules will be sent out to the prime sponsors of the bill for their comment.  The Committee will meet again on September 3, 2003 at a location to be announced to consider issues including air service; renewable portfolio standards; and the wage-gender gap study.