SF0091

Establishes the Wyoming Energy Project Accountability Act, requiring legislative approval for certain large-scale energy projects and state funding of energy projects.

• Defines key terms including 'energy project' (generation, storage, transmission, conversion or delivery of electric energy), 'industrial-scale generation facility' (facilities with at least 150 megawatts capacity, 5,000+ acres for wind, or 500+ acres for solar), 'large industrial power load' (75+ megawatts peak demand), and 'state action' (grants, loans, tax incentives, bonds, or appropriations that enable construction or service). (W.S. 9-30-102)
• Requires legislative approval through a bill or resolution before construction begins on industrial-scale generation facilities or large industrial power loads. (W.S. 9-30-103(a))
• Prohibits public utilities from being required to serve a large industrial power load, but permits them to do so only with legislative approval. (W.S. 9-30-103(b))
• Requires legislative approval for any state agency expenditure, grant, loan, guarantee, or pledge of state funds for energy projects with cumulative commitments of $200,000 or more, unless expressly exempted. (W.S. 9-30-104(a), W.S. 9-30-104(d))
• Specifies that legislative approval bills or resolutions must identify the project(s), sponsor(s), location(s), amount and type of state funds, intended use, any conditions or performance requirements, and measures to prevent cost-shifting to other ratepayers. (W.S. 9-30-104(b))
• Requires that all documents provided to state agencies for energy project approval be provided to the legislature. (W.S. 9-30-104(c))
• Exempts legislative approval requirements in cases of declared energy emergencies by the Public Service Commission and for routine maintenance, replacement in kind, or uprates on existing energy projects that do not exceed specified thresholds. (W.S. 9-30-105(a))
• Makes the Wyoming Development Council and Wyoming Energy Authority subject to the requirements of the Wyoming Energy Project Accountability Act. (W.S. 9-12-104(c), W.S. 37-5-502(g)(iv))