HB0148

Establishes a process for county commissioners to request hearings on utility scale industrial project leases on state lands and requires detailed environmental and fiscal impact analyses before such leases are approved.

• Defines 'utility scale industrial project' as any industrial project on state lands (excluding mineral extraction) with either a capital cost of at least $15 million or a project footprint of at least 320 acres. (W.S. 36-1-101(a)(ix))
• Establishes legislative findings that utility scale industrial projects may create risks to the state's economic interests and require rigorous review prior to approval. (W.S. 36-1-101(b))
• Requires a public hearing in the county where state lands are located if county commissioners request one before a utility scale industrial project lease is made. (W.S. 36-5-105(a))
• Requires utility scale industrial project leases to implement a radar-activated aircraft detection lighting system to limit visual impact. (W.S. 36-5-114(a)(i))
• Requires the board of land commissioners to conduct a written analysis of potential adverse impacts on nature-based tourism and local property tax revenue before approving a utility scale industrial project lease. (W.S. 36-5-114(a)(ii))
• Requires the impact analysis to include digital viewshed analysis and, if the project extends above the natural horizon line visible from a national historic trail, requires submission of a visual mitigation plan. (W.S. 36-5-114(a)(ii)(A))
• Requires the impact analysis to include a report from the Wyoming game and fish commission on potential impacts to critical big game migration corridors, and if concerns are found and the lease is approved, requires written findings explaining the approval decision. (W.S. 36-5-114(a)(ii)(B))
• Requires the impact analysis to include a summary of testimony from county officials on consistency with local land use planning and zoning, and from adjoining landowners or property owners who may experience material adverse impacts. (W.S. 36-5-114(a)(ii)(C), W.S. 36-5-114(a)(ii)(D))