September 9 and 10, 2008
St. John's Episcopal Church
Jackson, Wyoming
Senator Grant C. Larson, Co-Chairman
Representative Thomas A. Lockhart, Co-Chairman
Senator Eli Bebout
Senator Stan Cooper
Senator Bob Fecht
Representative Bob Brechtel
Representative Amy Edmonds
Representative Floyd Esquibel
Representative Elaine Harvey
Representative Saundra Meyer (Tuesday only)
Representative Lorraine Quarberg
Representative William "Jeb" Steward
Senator Bill Vasey
Representative Debbie Hammons
Maxine Weaver, Staff Attorney
Kelley Shepp, Associate Research Analyst
Please refer to
Appendix 1 to review the Committee Sign-in Sheet
for a list of other individuals who attended the meeting.
Co-Chairman Lockhart called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. He introduced Representative Pete Jorgensen and Andy Schwartz, Chairman of the Teton County Commission and Teton County Commissioner Leland Christianson. The following sections summarize the Committee proceedings by topic. Senator Bebout moved to accept the minutes of the June meeting. Representative Quarberg seconded the motion. The motion passed and the minutes were approved. Please refer to Appendix 2 to review the Committee Meeting Agenda.
The Committee heard from the Governor's Office, the Business Council, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Banking Commission, the Department of Workforce Services, the Public Service Commission, the Office of State Lands and Investments, the University of Wyoming, and the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority.
The Committee accepted reports and passed bills on the Wyoming Economic Development Act, the economic development account, the Wyoming business ready community program and on abandoned mine reclamation liens.
At the November meeting, the Committee will consider bills on the clean coal task force, the community facilities program, the community enhancement program, the workforce housing program, pipeline inspection and safety, industry partnership, energy performance contracting and the residential mortgage practices act. The Committee will also receive more reports.
Rob Hurless, Energy and Telecommunications Advisor to the Governor's Office reported on energy resources and their current status in Wyoming, including coal, uranium, wind, gas, oil, bentonite and trona [Appendices 3 through 5] and addressed the correspondence between the Governor and the Committee [Appendices 6 and 7].
Rick Miller, Vice President Governmental, Community & Legal Affairs, briefed the Committee on the current activities at the University of Wyoming. Myron Allen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Mark Northam, Director of the School of Energy Resources submitted the School of Energy Resources annual report [Appendix 8]. Representative Brechtel moved to accept the report, seconded by Representative Quarberg. The motion passed.
Nicholas Agopian Director of the Wyoming Conservation Corps explained the activities of the Wyoming Conservation Corps in their second report to the Committee [Appendix 9]. The report was accepted.
Bill Gern, Vice President for Research Economic Development and Krista Laursen, Project Officer for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) updated the Committee on the progress of the NCAR project.
Mr. Miller, Mr. Hurless and Tom Sarkus with the National Energy Technology Laboratory explained the work to establish a legal framework on information sharing, the progress of the NCAR supercomputer, the uses of coal for electricity, carbon capture, storage capacity and funding [Appendix 10] and recommended five projects. Senator Cooper moved to accept the recommendations seconded by Co-Chairman Larson. The motion passed.
Rick Miller presented the proposed legislation 09LSO-0070.W6 - Clean coal task force [Appendix 11] and asked the Committee to include the submitted proposed amendment [Appendix 12]. Following discussion to include the proposed amendment and to verify the appropriation for legislative members, no vote was taken. The bill as amended will be discussed at the next meeting.
Wendy Lowe provided a summary on carbon sequestration presentations at the Joint Judiciary meeting held September 8, 2008.
Kathleen Lewis, Public Service Commission Chairman, Mary Byrne, Commissioner and Dave Piroutek, Engineering Supervisor presented information from the heating conference and town meetings [Appendices 13 through 15].
Chairman Lewis discussed their draft bill 09LSO-0110.W4 - Pipeline inspection and safety. [Appendix 16]. Senator Bebout moved the bill seconded by Representative Quarberg. Following discussion, the Committee requested clarification from LSO and passed the bill on a voice vote. The bill will be discussed at the November meeting.
Joan Evans, Director and Jeremiah Rieman, Policy Analyst with the Department of Workforce Services reviewed their proposed industry partnership act [Appendices 17 through 19]. Co-Chairman Larson moved to bring a draft bill to the next meeting. Representative Harvey seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Following a lunch break, Co-Chairman Larson chaired the afternoon session.
Jeff Vogel, Banking Commissioner and Joe Mulberry Deputy Commissioner presented a summary of Title V of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 [Appendix 20] and asked the Committee to bring draft legislation at the next meeting. The Committee directed Mr. Vogel to work with LSO staff to draft a bill for the November meeting.
Dennis Byrne, Aeronautics Administrator, Amber Schlabs and Kristy Yaffa representing the Aeronautics Division, discussed the loan program and airport improvement program funding and presented their report on funding airport improvements [Appendices 21 and 22].
Bob Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, Mike Martin Portfolio Loan Manager for the Challenge Loan Program and Shawn Reece, Investment Ready Communities Division, explained the various programs managed by the Wyoming Business Council.
Mr. Martin briefed the Committee on the proposed legislation 09LSO-0062.W3 Wyoming Economic Development Act [Appendix 23]. Co-Chairman Lockhart moved the bill seconded by Senator Cooper. Following discussion with no amendments, the Committee passed the bill 12-2 with Senator Vasey and Representative Hammons excused.
Mr. Martin explained the draft bill 09LSO-0063.W1 Economic development account [Appendix 24]. Co-Chairman Lockhart moved the bill seconded by Senator Bebout. Following discussion with no amendments, the Committee passed the bill 12-2 with Senator Vasey and Representative Hammons excused.
Mr. Jensen presented the proposed legislation 09LSO-0065.W4 Energy performance contracting [Appendix 25]. Following discussion, the bill was laid back until the November meeting.
Mr. Reese reviewed the draft bill 09LSO-0107.W3 - Wyoming business ready community program [Appendix 26]. Following discussion that requested an inclusion of a statement that the council will adopt rules, the Committee passed the bill 12-2 with Senator Vasey and Representative Hammons excused.
Mr. Reese submitted proposed legislation 09LSO-0108.W3 - Wyoming community facilities program [Appendix 27] and proposed legislation 09LSO-0109.W4 Wyoming community enhancement program [Appendix 28]. Senator Cooper moved Bill 109 as written, seconded by Representative Harvey. Following discussion Senator Cooper withdrew his motion and Bill 109 was laid back until the November meeting. Following discussion, Bill 108 was also laid back until the November meeting.
The Committee recessed at 5:20 pm.
Co-Chairman Lockhart called the meeting back to order at 8:05 a.m.
Mr. Jensen, Mr. Reese and David Haney, Executive Director of the Wyoming Community Development Authority discussed the progress on workforce housing applications. This new program will be similar to the business ready communities program
Mr. Reese provided recommendations and additional comments [Appendices 29 and 30]. LSO staff provided a memorandum to the committee regarding issues presented from the Wyoming Business Council [Appendix 31]. Mr. Reese described the draft bill 09LSO-0060.W3 - Workforce housing program [Appendix 32]. Following discussion with no motion, no amendments and no vote, the bill was laid back until the November meeting.
George Parks with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and Christine Walker with the Teton County Housing Authority spoke generally in support of bill.
Debby Dickson, Grants and Loan Lead Worker with the Office of State Lands and Investments and Brian Mark, Staff Engineer, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Quality Division provided background information and Report #592 - [Appendices 33 through 35]. The Committee accepted the report.
Steve Waddington, Executive Director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority briefed the Committee on proposed transmission projects, including the Wyoming-Colorado Intertie, the Transwest Express, the Gateway West, the Gateway South and the High Plains Express [Appendices 36 through 38].
Following the lunch break, Co-Chairman Larson called the meeting back to order.
Jon Doyle, Chief Executive, Medicine Bow Fuel and Power [Appendix 39] provided a perspective on natural gas and energy markets throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and the Nation. John Harpole with Mercator informed the Committee about politics and perspectives on natural gas from Russia to the Rocky Mountains [Appendix 40].
John Corra, Director of the DEQ, Rick Chancellor, Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division Administrator and Dave Finley, Air Quality Administrator related background information on the AML funding forecast, explained the funding reimbursement from the Office of Surface Mining and addressed air quality issues around the state [Appendices 41 and 42].
Mr. Chancellor described proposed legislation 09LSO-0066.W1 Abandoned mine reclamation-liens [Appendix 43]. Co-Chairman Lockhart moved the bill seconded by Representative Brechtel. Following discussion with no amendments, the bill passed 11-3 with Senator Vasey, Representative Hammons and Representative Meyer excused.
Mr. Corra and Leroy Feusner, Solid and Hazardous Waste Division Administrator and Bob Doctor with the Solid and Hazardous Waste Division updated the Committee on risk assessment, impacts to groundwater, the status of the landfill assessment and monitoring program, including the impact of monitoring costs on small communities, closed landfills and what DEQ can do to expedite reimbursements of advance funds to local communities [Appendices 44 through 46].
Mike McDonald, Vice Chairman of the Fremont County Solid Waste Board (Board) and Dale Groutage and Bob Baker with the Board expressed concerns relating to work from local communities, difficulty if getting plans approved by DEQ and difficulty in getting reimbursement claims paid by DEQ in a timely manner [Appendices 47 through 49]. Letters between the Board and DEQ were submitted [Appendices 50 through 52]. They reported the claims have now been paid.
DEQ submitted Report #41 regarding Environmental audits [Appendix 53] and Report #232 on the Underground storage tanks [Appendix 54]. A full list of reports due to the Committee is included as Appendix 55.
There being no further business, Co-Chairman Larson adjourned the meeting at 4:35 p.m. The next meeting will be November 19 and 20, 2008 at the Game and Fish Building in Casper, Wyoming.
Respectfully submitted,
Senator Grant C. Larson, Co-Chairman
Appendix |
|
Appendix Topic |
|
Appendix Description |
|
Appendix Provider |
1 |
|
Committee Sign-In Sheet |
|
Lists meeting attendees |
|
Legislative Service Office (LSO) |
2 |
|
Committee Meeting Agenda |
|
Provides an outline of the topics the Committee addressed at the meeting |
|
LSO |
3 |
|
Energy Resources |
|
Proposed Crude Oil Export Pipeline Expansion Out of the Rockies |
|
Wyoming Pipeline Authority (WPA) |
4 |
|
Energy Resources |
|
Natural Gas Pipeline Export Capacity v. Marketed Production |
|
WPA |
5 |
|
Energy Resources |
|
Proposed Additions to Capacity out of Wyoming |
|
WPA |
6 |
|
Energy Resources |
|
August 5, 2008 Letter to Governor |
|
LSO |
7 |
|
Energy Resources |
|
August 21, 2008 Letter from Governor |
|
Governors Office |
8 |
|
University of Wyoming |
|
Report #537 School of Energy Resources |
|
University of Wyoming |
9 |
|
University of Wyoming |
|
Report #560 Conservation Corps |
|
University of Wyoming |
10 |
|
Clean Coal Technologies |
|
Recommendations of the 2008 Clean Coal Task Force |
|
University of Wyoming |
11 |
|
Clean Coal Technologies |
|
09LSO-0070.W6 Clean coal task force. |
|
LSO |
12 |
|
Clean Coal Technologies |
|
Proposed Amendment to 09LSO-0070.W6 |
|
Clean Coal Task Force |
13 |
|
Public Service Commission (PSC) |
|
2008-2009 Winter Heating Town Meetings Packet |
|
PSC |
14 |
|
PSC |
|
August 5, 2008 Memorandum |
|
PSC |
15 |
|
PSC |
|
August 22, 2008 Letter |
|
PSC |
16 |
|
PSC |
|
09LSO-0110.W4 - Pipeline inspection and safety. |
|
LSO |
17 |
|
Workforce Training, Development and Recruitment |
|
Industry Partnership Act |
|
Department of Workforce Services |
18 |
|
Workforce Training, Development and Recruitment |
|
Wyoming Industry Partnership Act |
|
Department of Workforce Services |
19 |
|
Workforce Training, Development and Recruitment |
|
DWFS Proposed legislation - 09LSO-0061 draft - Industry Partnership Act. |
|
Department of Workforce Services |
20 |
|
Wyoming Banking Commission |
|
Summary of Title V of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 |
|
Wyoming Banking Commission |
21 |
|
Wyoming Aeronautics Commission |
|
Report #351 - Funds expended pursuant to W.S. 10-3-601 |
|
Wyoming Aeronautics Commission |
22 |
|
Wyoming Aeronautics Commission |
|
The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission Loan Program and Airport Improvement Program Funding |
|
Wyoming Aeronautics Commission |
23 |
|
Wyoming Business Council (WBC) |
|
09LSO-0062.W3 Wyoming Economic Development Act. |
|
LSO |
24 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0063.W1 Economic development account. |
|
LSO |
25 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0065.W4 Energy performance contracting. |
|
LSO |
26 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0107.W3 - Wyoming business ready community program. |
|
LSO |
27 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0108.W3 - Wyoming community facilities program. |
|
LSO |
28 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0109.W4 Wyoming community enhancement program. |
|
LSO |
29 |
|
WBC |
|
Workforce Housing Infrastructure Update and Recommendations for a Grant and Loan Program |
|
WBC |
30 |
|
WBC |
|
Workforce Housing Infrastructure Update and Recommendations for a Grant and Loan Program Additional Comments |
|
WBC |
31 |
|
WBC |
|
September 8, 2008 Memorandum |
|
LSO |
32 |
|
WBC |
|
09LSO-0060.W3 - Workforce housing program. |
|
LSO |
33 |
|
Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) |
|
Clean Water (Pollution Control) State Revolving Fund Fact Sheet |
|
OSLI |
34 |
|
OSLI |
|
Report #592 Intended use plan on the state water pollution control revolving loan account. |
|
OSLI |
35 |
|
OSLI |
|
Intended use plan on the state water pollution control revolving loan account. June 2008 |
|
OSLI |
36 |
|
Energy Transportation Infrastructure |
|
Electric Transmission Development - PowerPoint |
|
Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) |
37 |
|
Energy Transportation Infrastructure |
|
Wind Energy Bumps into Power Grids Limits |
|
WIA |
38 |
|
Energy Transportation Infrastructure |
|
Open Season a Success for Wyoming-Colorado Intertie |
|
WIA |
39 |
|
Energy Sources and Generation |
|
A Commercial Clean Coal Industry Presentation PowerPoint |
|
DKRW Advanced Fuels |
40 |
|
Energy Sources and Generation |
|
Politics &Perspectives on Natural Gas From Russia to the Rocky Mountains |
|
John Harpole |
41 |
|
DEQ - AML Funding Issues |
|
August 1, 2008 Memorandum |
|
DEQ |
42 |
|
DEQ Air Quality Issues |
|
Future management of Wyomings Air - PowerPoint |
|
DEQ |
43 |
|
DEQ - AML Funding Issues |
|
09LSO-0066.W1 Abandoned mine reclamation-liens. |
|
LSO |
44 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
Examination of Wyoming's Landfill Problems: a White Paper |
|
DEQ |
45 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
Funding Landfills with Wyoming Clean Water State Revolving Fund Fact Sheet |
|
DEQ |
46 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
Landfill Planning and Monitoring - Status Report - PowerPoint |
|
DEQ |
47 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
July 19, 2008 Memo |
|
Dale Groutage |
48 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
Resume |
|
Donald I. Siegel |
49 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
June 25, 2008 Letter |
|
Fremont County Solid Waste Disposal District |
50 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
July 30, 2008 Letter |
|
DEQ |
51 |
|
DEQ Landfill |
|
August 12, 2998 Letter |
|
Fremont County Solid Waste Disposal District |
52 |
|
Public Comment |
|
August 22, 2008 Letter |
|
DEQ |
53 |
|
Reports |
|
Report #41 Environmental audits |
|
DEQ |
54 |
|
Reports |
|
Report #232 Underground storage tanks annual report |
|
DEQ |
55 |
|
Reports |
|
August 29, 2008 Report Due List |
|
LSO |