Wyoming2012Did Not Pass

HB0037

HB0037: Irrigation Districts and Non-Hydroelectric Power Projects

Last scannedOct 19, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This bill proposed allowing Wyoming irrigation districts to build and sell electricity from sources other than hydroelectric power, such as wind, to support their water systems.

What it does

Authorizes irrigation districts to construct, purchase, operate, and maintain power projects for electric energy other than hydroelectric.
Requires irrigation district commissioners to vote by majority to approve a power project if they determine it is beneficial for landowners and entrymen.
Allows districts to sell, distribute, or dispose of electric energy that is not necessary for their own uses and purposes.
Requires wind energy projects to meet the requirements of W.S. 18-5-501 through 18-5-513.
Subjects these districts to regulation by the Wyoming Public Service Commission for wholesale rates and transmission facilities.

Who it affects

Irrigation districts organized under Wyoming state law.
Landowners and entrymen within those irrigation districts.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission, which would regulate wholesale rates.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass and died in committee on March 7, 2012, so these changes were not made into law.
The provided bill text is labeled as a 'Working Draft,' so final details may have differed from this version.
The bill does not specify the exact costs or financial risks for the irrigation districts.

Plain language

Terms to know

Irrigation district: A local government group organized under state law to manage water supply for landowners and entrymen.
Hydroelectric: Electricity generated using moving water; the bill specifically authorizes projects for energy other than this type.
Wholesale transmission: The sale and transport of electricity in large amounts, subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 7, 5:41 PM

John D Bonner Jr.

H25

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to allow irrigation districts to pursue various power projects like solar and wind, which can help offset rising operational costs without increasing assessments on landowners.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:03:16 Watch the statement

Pat Childers

H50

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes large landowners are already placing a heavier burden on small landowners, and this issue needs to be addressed before making major investments.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:05:59 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Introduced and Referred to H05; No Report Prior to CoW Cutoff; Intro Vote 43-17-0-0-02012-02-14 · House43 yes 17 no

Yes: 43
No: 17
Absent: 0
Excused: 0
Conflict: 0

No 17

Allen M JaggiH18 Amy L EdmondsH12 Donald E Burkhart JrH15 Frank D PeasleyH03 Gregory R BlikreH53 John L FreemanH60 John W PattonH29 Jonathan A BottenH30 Kathleen DavisonH20 Kendell R KroekerH35 Kermit C BrownH14 Lorraine K QuarbergH28 Mark SemlekH01 Pat ChildersH50 Rosie M BergerH51 William "Jeb" StewardH47 W. Patrick P GogglesH33

Official activity

Bill history

2012-03-07H Died In CommitteeHouse
2012-02-14H Introduced and Referred to H05; No Report Prior to CoW Cutoff; Intro VoteHouse
2012-02-13H Received for IntroductionHouse
2012-01-30Bill Number AssignedLSO