JOINT MINERALS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Standard Budget:   $45,000.00

Priority #: 1 Coal

The Committee will consider statutory and regulatory solutions to issues surrounding coal.  Issues shall include, but are not necessarily limited to:

a. President's Clean Power Plan (CPP) proposal;

b. Carbon sequestration; and

c. Wyoming's efforts to secure additional coal ports.

Priority #: 2 Joint Subcommittee on State Involvement in Economic Development

A Joint Subcommittee, consisting of three (3) members of the Joint Appropriations Committee and three (3) members of the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic shall meet as necessary to study the state's role in providing aid and assistance in economic development projects.  This study shall include a review of the Wyoming Business Council, its programs, funding mechanisms and rules and regulations, and the expanded use of Amendment IV funds.  The subcommittee may also consider legislative responses to promote air services in Wyoming.  Members and Chairmen of the joint subcommittee shall be appointed by the respective committee chairs.

The authority of the Joint Subcommittee shall only be to make recommendations to the appropriate standing committee.  The appropriate standing committee may then consider developing legislation.

Priority #: 3 Alternative energy sources and fuels

The Committee will consider statutory and regulatory solutions to issues involving alternative energy sources and fuels.  Issues shall include, but are not necessarily limited to:

a. Natural gas as a vehicle fuel;

b. Small/light nuclear reactors; and

c. Advanced conversion technology programs.

The Committee will receive reports on Wyoming's efforts to become a nuclear agreement state.

The Committee will tour a natural gas station.

Priority #: 4 Energy development issues

The Committee will consider statutory and regulatory solutions to issues surrounding energy development.  Issues shall include, but are not necessarily limited to:

a. Flaring of wells;

b. Promotion of oil and gas operations in the state; and

c. Oil and gas conservation commission rules.

Priority #: 5 Reports and updates

The Committee will receive and consider reports required by law and updates on issues of concern from various agencies and interested parties, including but not limited to issues involving energy production or distribution, indemnity in a contract for any well, mine or mineral, economic development, University of Wyoming energy programs, destruction of a surveyor's corner monument, and issues concerning other state agencies and divisions thereof which statutorily are required, or historically have, reported to the Committee.

Tentative Meeting Schedule

The Committee anticipates holding three (3), two (2) day meetings during the 2015 interim.