Central Wyoming News

In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, ranking member John Barrasso (R-WY) criticized the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) updates to various resource management plans and their impact on Wyoming. This session marked Tracy Stone-Manning's first appearance before the committee in three years.

Barrasso focused on the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, expressing concerns about its effects on local communities. "Ms. Stone-Manning, the Bureau’s Rock Springs Resource Management Plan will devastate the people of southwest Wyoming," he said. Stone-Manning responded by emphasizing ongoing public engagement and revisions based on feedback: "We extended the public comment period and worked with the governor... I am certain that Wyomingites will see their voices reflected in the final."

Barrasso also addressed coal leasing prohibitions in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin under the Buffalo Resource Management Plan. He questioned why such measures were being taken now if they wouldn't impact production until 2038. Stone-Manning cited a shift towards a clean energy economy as directed by President Biden.

The senator further scrutinized BLM's new oil and gas leasing and bonding rule, which significantly raises bonding requirements for producers. Barrasso argued that this rule was punitive given the low number of abandoned wells managed by BLM. Stone-Manning defended it by referencing reports from both the Government Accountability Office and Inspector General suggesting current rates are outdated.

Lastly, Barrasso criticized delays in issuing oil and gas leases from December 2020 auctions, highlighting that legal requirements mandate issuance within 60 days. Stone-Manning mentioned ongoing legal reviews but could not provide a specific timeline for lease issuance or related environmental analysis updates.

The exchanges reflect broader tensions over federal land use policies and energy production regulations under current administration directives.