HB0015

Amends bonding requirements and bond release procedures for limited mining operations in Wyoming.

• Increases bonding requirements for limited mining operations commencing on or after July 1, 2025, from $2,000 per acre to $5,000 per acre of affected land, including access roads. (W.S. 35-11-401(e)(vi)(B)(II))
• Increases bonding cap for quarries commencing on or after July 1, 2025, from $3,000 per acre to $7,000 per acre of affected land, including access roads. (W.S. 35-11-401(e)(vi)(B)(IV))
• Extends the timeframe for the administrator to require additional bonding from 90 days to 150 days after limited mining operations commence. (W.S. 35-11-401(e)(vi)(B)(VI))
• Extends the operator's deadline to post additional required bonds from 30 days to 45 days after receipt of notification from the administrator. (W.S. 35-11-401(e)(vi)(B)(VI))
• Simplifies bond release procedures for limited mining operations to allow release after two successful growing seasons establishing permanent vegetative cover, with consultation of affected surface owners, rather than the standard multi-year retention and percentage-based release process. (W.S. 35-11-417(e), W.S. 35-11-423(b))
• Authorizes the Environmental Quality Council to promulgate rules necessary to implement the bonding amendments. (Section 2)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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