FIFTY-SEVENTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE

APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2004 INTERIM

JOINT MINERALS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERIM COMMITTEE

Initial Approved Budget: $20,000

Topic #1:            Environmental Quality Issues including:

(a)            Leaking underground storage tanks;

(b)            Regional haze;

(c)            Landfills.

The director of the DEQ asked the Committee  to consider the funding for the LUST program and the timeline and other criteria relating to the current program.  He has also noted there is an advisory group studying local government landfills and noted that the group might recommend legislative changes to allow for regional landfills and to address other environmental quality issues relating to landfills.  The Committee will also continue to monitor implementation of regional haze provisions.

Topic #2:                        Mortgage Brokers.

The state banking commissioner has received numerous complaints regarding practices by mortgage brokers and has suggested the Committee review regulation of mortgage brokers. Note: At the request of Management Council, the study will also include a review of achieving a "level playing field" for state chartered banks.

Topic #3:                        Reclamation Bonds for Mineral Production.

Industry has noted the cost of and difficulty in securing reclamation bonds.  The Committee will study the issue and possible solutions such as self-bonding or other safeguards that might be appropriate.

Topic #4:                        Infrastructure Authority.

SF 52, infrastructure authority, establishes a new Authority.  The Committee will follow the startup of the Authority and determine if any additional follow-up legislation would be necessary.

Topic #5:                        Alternative Construction Methods.

HB 186 provides for alternative delivery methods for construction on public works projects.  With significant public capital construction occurring in the state over the next decade, the Committee will review the proposed alternative methods and criteria and selection standards that would be appropriate.

Topic #6:                        Royalties In Kind.

Review existing authority for governmental entities to take royalties in kind and review options for sale or other uses of production taken in kind, including use as a potential economic incentive.

Topic #7:                        Economic Development Options.

Meet with the Business Council and the State Treasurer to discuss venture capital financing and other potential economic development tools and determine if statutory changes would be appropriate.