It’s Week 6 of the state legislative session. As many bills fall by the wayside and others inch closer to the governor’s desk for a signature, our priorities for the remainder of the session are coming into stronger focus.
There’s plenty of important work still to be done. Read on for opportunities for action and our latest updates from Cheyenne, including developments on public lands, rooftop solar, and conservation project funding!
ANTI-PUBLIC LANDS MEASURES FAIL
We’re pleased to report that two legislative measures threatening Wyoming’s public lands met their ends last week. Senate Joint Resolution 2, which demanded nearly all federal public lands in Wyoming be turned over to the state, was defeated, revived, and then defeated again — this time for good! And Senate File 105, which would have eroded private property rights (and limited new public lands access) died when the Senate failed to consider it in time for a critical deadline.
While we’re celebrating this good news, the fight to protect public lands in Wyoming is far from over. We’re keeping our eye on other legislative threats and will keep you updated.
ACT NOW FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR
Last week, we asked you to take action on House Bill 183, which would encourage rooftop solar by making it easier for people across Wyoming (including ranchers, business owners, schools, and local governments) to invest in rooftop solar systems.
The committee didn’t make it through all the public testimony on HB183 last week, but they’ll pick up the discussion tomorrow at noon. If you haven’t sent a message in support of this bill, there’s still time to make your voice heard! Help move this important bill forward now. (If you already reached out to the committee, thank you!)
WILDLIFE & NATURAL RESOURCE FUNDING NEARS THE FINISH LINE
Every year, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust brings a package of large-scale projects before the legislature for approval. This year’s package, Senate File 88, represents WWNRT’s biggest investment in Wyoming’s wildlife and natural resources to date. It includes important projects across the state, from wildlife crossings and cheatgrass treatment to rangeland restoration and watershed improvement.
This bill sailed through the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee unanimously last Thursday before passing unanimously out of the House Appropriations Committee on Friday. Now it’s up to the full House of Representatives to approve this bill and send it to Gov. Gordon!
Your action continues to be vital for pushing good legislation forward, and stopping bad bills in their tracks. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate your thoughtful engagement — and thank you in advance for keeping it up until the session ends in just a few short weeks, on March 6!
Want to stay in the loop on important legislation and opportunities to take action? Sign up for our legislative emails!
Image: Meghan Riley