The major purposes of this compact are to remove the causes of present and future controversy over the distribution and use of the waters of the Bear River; to provide for efficient use of water for multiple purposes; to permit additional development of the water resources of Bear River; to promote interstate comity; to accomplish an equitable apportionment of the waters of the Bear River among the compacting states.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 41-12-101
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
The major purposes of this compact are to remove the causes of present and future controversy over the distribution and use of the waters of the Bear River; to provide for efficient use of water for multiple purposes; to permit additional development of the water resources of Bear River; to promote interstate comity; to accomplish an equitable apportionment of the waters of the Bear River among the compacting states.
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
1
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
Mandatory meeting requirements:
annual
Online public participation allowed?:
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
No
Online participation and meeting agenda details:
Provided in agenda
Source:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
No
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission's responsibilities include enforcing the interstate compact and its orders through legal action, and producing biennial reports detailing its activities and expenditures, which are then submitted to the U.S. President and the governors of the participating states.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Advise and inform the Governor, the State Engineer and Wyoming's Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission regarding the beneficial use, development, protection and conservation of water from the Green and Little Snake Rivers and their tributaries relative to Wyoming's rights and obligations under the 1,922 Colorado River Compact and the 1,948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 41-11-301
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
Advise and inform the Governor, the State Engineer and Wyoming's Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission regarding the beneficial use, development, protection and conservation of water from the Green and Little Snake Rivers and their tributaries relative to Wyoming's rights and obligations under the 1,922 Colorado River Compact and the 1,948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact.
#, term, selection, etc
Total # of members:
11
Appointed member term length:
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
2,025
Member selection type:
Gov appt 9 members, 1 appt by pres of senate, 1 appt by speaker of the house
none unless legislature or gov employees/public officials, then they receive their standard pay as if on official business
Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:
Mileage & Per Diem
Reimbursement details:
Same as state reimbursements
Travel required:
Qualifications applied to all members
General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):
WY residents
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
Two (2) legislators, one (1) from each house, appointed by the speaker of the house and president of the senate respectively.
# Subgroup 1:
2
Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):
Three members representing agricultural irrigation, one on the Green River above Fontenelle Reservoir, one on the Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir, and one on the Little Snake River; two members representing industry; one member representing recreational, fish, wildlife, and environmental interests; and one member representing conservation districts.
# Subgroup 2:
7
Subgroup 4 (geographic):
one member representing municipal water users from the Green River; one member representing municipal water users from the Little Snake River;
# Subgroup 4:
2
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
2
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
2
Mandatory meeting requirements:
biannually
Online public participation allowed?:
yes
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
no
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The purpose of the committee is to advise and inform the governor, the state engineer and Wyoming's commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission regarding the beneficial use, development, protection and conservation of water from the Green and Little Snake rivers and their tributaries relative to Wyoming's rights and obligations under the 1,922 Colorado River Compact and the 1,948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
State Engineer's Office
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
State Engineer, possibly WY commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission
The Wyoming Energy Authority coordinates with the entire energy spectrum as advocates, partners, environmental stewards and innovators. This means we: Promote and support the development of commercial energy projects. Preserve existing markets while identifying and pursuing new areas for market development. Promote Wyoming’s energy resources and provide education, data and resources with the benefits of Wyoming’s energy assets. Leverage financial opportunities to develop efforts conducive to the sustainability of the energy sector in Wyoming. Leverage Wyoming’s diverse energy resources for the benefit of Wyoming citizens while preserving environmental stewardship. Support the transition of innovative technologies and practices into the Wyoming energy sector. Navigate the Wyoming energy sector through emerging opportunities and help frame best practices for other communities and states. Develop and promote public policies and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of Wyoming’s energy resources
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 37-5-502
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
The Wyoming Energy Authority coordinates with the entire energy spectrum as advocates, partners, environmental stewards and innovators. This means we: Promote and support the development of commercial energy projects. Preserve existing markets while identifying and pursuing new areas for market development. Promote Wyoming’s energy resources and provide education, data and resources with the benefits of Wyoming’s energy assets. Leverage financial opportunities to develop efforts conducive to the sustainability of the energy sector in Wyoming. Leverage Wyoming’s diverse energy resources for the benefit of Wyoming citizens while preserving environmental stewardship. Support the transition of innovative technologies and practices into the Wyoming energy sector. Navigate the Wyoming energy sector through emerging opportunities and help frame best practices for other communities and states. Develop and promote public policies and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of Wyoming’s energy resources
#, term, selection, etc
Total # of members:
12
Appointed member term length:
4y
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
2,026
Member selection type:
Gov appt
Ex officio member details:
(i) A member of the Wyoming enhanced oil recovery commission selected by the commission; (ii) The chairman of the Wyoming business council or a designee; (iii) The governor or a designee from his office; (iv) The chairman of the Wyoming oil and gas conservation commission or a designee; (v) The director of the University of Wyoming school of energy resources or, if there is no director, a member of the school of energy resources selected by the University of Wyoming energy resources council, or a designee.
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
The following shall serve as ex-officio members: (i) A member of the Wyoming enhanced oil recovery commission selected by the commission; (ii) The chairman of the Wyoming business council or a designee; (iii) The governor or a designee from his office; (iv) The chairman of the Wyoming oil and gas conservation commission or a designee; (v) The director of the University of Wyoming school of energy resources or, if there is no director, a member of the school of energy resources selected by the University of Wyoming energy resources council, or a designee.
# Subgroup 1:
5
Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):
Members shall have special knowledge, education or experience in the field of energy or natural resource development, transmission, generation, transportation, financing or marketing, or a field related to industrial or municipal energy consumption.
# Subgroup 2:
7
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
9
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
7
Mandatory meeting requirements:
biannually
Online public participation allowed?:
yes
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
no
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The authority is created to diversify and expand Wyoming's economy by improving energy infrastructure, consolidating state energy programs, securing funding for energy projects, assisting with regulatory processes, providing energy education, engaging stakeholders, developing energy strategies, and supporting the development and transportation of energy and associated natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil and gas. It can own, lease, and operate facilities, set fees, and borrow funds, primarily focusing on projects not currently handled by the private sector, and is authorized to acquire interests in pipeline systems to facilitate resource transportation.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:
WY Business council, UW school of energy, Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, Governor
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
house member appointed by the speaker; senate member appointed by the president; and ex-officio nonvoting members shall be the president of the university and the director of the Ruckleshaus institute.
# Subgroup 1:
4
Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):
seven (7) members representing, to the greatest extent practicable, the diverse components of Wyoming's energy industries
# Subgroup 2:
7
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
4
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
4
Mandatory meeting requirements:
Online public participation allowed?:
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
The commission, in conjunction with UW and oil and gas industry research entities, shall oversee and develop a number of programs and shall direct development for economically viable solutions; may seek government and private grants to further their duties; shall facilitate the development of formal agreements and the transfer of new technologies and provide progress reports to the Legislature.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 30-8-101
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
The commission, in conjunction with UW and oil and gas industry research entities, shall oversee and develop a number of programs and shall direct development for economically viable solutions; may seek government and private grants to further their duties; shall facilitate the development of formal agreements and the transfer of new technologies and provide progress reports to the Legislature.
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
(1) Governor and (1) state geologist shall serve as ex-officio members; (1) legislative member appointed by the management council; (1) member of the oil and gas commission; (1) representative of UW
# Subgroup 1:
5
Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):
(1) public at large with experience in oil and gas industry; (2) represent oil and gas industry
# Subgroup 2:
3
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
4
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
4
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
4
Mandatory meeting requirements:
other
Online public participation allowed?:
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
no
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission provides guidance and oversight to the University of Wyoming's energy resources school, seeks grants, facilitates industry partnerships for data and expertise exchange, promotes technology transfer within the state's oil and gas industry, and establishes advisory task forces to evaluate program effectiveness and funding.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
yes
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission is responsible for advising the state geologist on geological survey policies and programs, and for establishing administrative rules and regulations related to GIS mapping, collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Wyoming, and the authorization of expedition expenses.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
State Geological Survey
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
The function of the committee is to advise the State Engineer and Board of Control on matters relative to ground water development and to call and supervise the election of control area advisory boards.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 41-3-908
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
The function of the committee is to advise the State Engineer and Board of Control on matters relative to ground water development and to call and supervise the election of control area advisory boards.
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 4 (geographic):
(3) members who reside in each of the four water divisions who adequately represent the landowners and water users of the division, the geographical areas of the division, and the public interest.
# Subgroup 4:
12
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
Mandatory meeting requirements:
other
Online public participation allowed?:
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
no
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The division advisory committee on underground water is responsible for overseeing control area advisory board elections, advising state engineers and boards on underground water policies, assisting in problem-solving related to underground water within the division, guiding control area advisory boards in developing control measures, and disseminating information to underground water users regarding state policies and procedures.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
State Engineer's Office
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Regulates, for conservation purposes, the drilling, producing, and plugging of oil and gas wells, injection and disposal wells, and seismic operations. Holds hearings on requests for approval of well spacing and enhanced recovery projects.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 30-5-103
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
Regulates, for conservation purposes, the drilling, producing, and plugging of oil and gas wells, injection and disposal wells, and seismic operations. Holds hearings on requests for approval of well spacing and enhanced recovery projects.
#, term, selection, etc
Total # of members:
5
Appointed member term length:
2y
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
2,025
Member selection type:
Gov appt w/Senate confirmation
Ex officio member details:
The state oil and gas supervisor serves ex-officio secretary.
in line with state legislature for hours worked on board business
Compensation amount:
$150/day as of 2,024
Reimbursements:
Mileage & Per Diem
Reimbursement details:
Same as state reimbursements
Travel required:
Qualifications applied to all members
General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):
WY residents
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
(1) governor; (1) director of the Office of State Lands & Investments; (1) state geologist;
# Subgroup 1:
3
Subgroup 3 (racial, ethnic, minority, or community/group representation):
public at-large
# Subgroup 3:
2
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
Mandatory meeting requirements:
monthly
Online public participation allowed?:
yes
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:
The WOGCC hearings are now being held in person on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. A YouTube link to watch the hearings will be posted on the website on the morning of the hearings. It is strongly encouraged for everyone providing testimony to the Commission to attend in person. However, if remote testimony is necessary due to an inability to travel to the hearings, please contact the WOGCC as soon as possible to ensure remote testimony can be accommodated.
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
yes
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission will establish rules for drilling, casing, and plugging wells as well as regulating well spacing, etc., conduct investigations, hold hearings or issue orders, require reports and records from operators, regulate drilling and production, control pollution
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
yes
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission is reponsible for setting rates for utility services, ensuring the quality and reliability of those services, and overseeing the construction and operation of utility infrastructure. They also have the authority to investigate complaints against utilities, enforce compliance with state laws and regulations, and issue certificates of public convenience and necessity for new utility projects.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
The Wyoming Water Development Program was founded on the sound philosophy of utilizing a portion of the income the state receives from the development and use of its non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil and gas, to develop and manage a renewable resource, water. One way in which water resource management is achieved is by evaluating development and rehabilitation strategies, and selecting the best alternatives for constructing new or rehabilitating existing infrastructure. In this manner, the Wyoming Water Development Program will ensure the delivery of water to Wyoming citizens in an economical and environmentally responsible manner. Sound water planning and use will preserve Wyoming's water entitlements and will promote the effective and efficient use of the state's water resources.
Responsible for the coordination, development, and planning of Wyoming's water and related land resources
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
The Wyoming Water Development Program was founded on the sound philosophy of utilizing a portion of the income the state receives from the development and use of its non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil and gas, to develop and manage a renewable resource, water. One way in which water resource management is achieved is by evaluating development and rehabilitation strategies, and selecting the best alternatives for constructing new or rehabilitating existing infrastructure. In this manner, the Wyoming Water Development Program will ensure the delivery of water to Wyoming citizens in an economical and environmentally responsible manner. Sound water planning and use will preserve Wyoming's water entitlements and will promote the effective and efficient use of the state's water resources.
Establishing law citation/number:
WS 41-2-117
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
Responsible for the coordination, development, and planning of Wyoming's water and related land resources
#, term, selection, etc
Total # of members:
12
Appointed member term length:
4y
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
2 consecutive terms
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
2,025
Member selection type:
Gov Appt
Ex officio member details:
To serve as consultants without vote the
following are designated:
(I) The state engineer or his designee;
(II) The chief executive officer of the
Wyoming business council or other person designated by the
council; and
(III) A person with interest, training and
expertise in water resource matters from the University of
Wyoming or the Wyoming Water Resource Research Institute,
appointed by the president of the university with the approval
of the board of trustees.
Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset
Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):
(I) The state engineer or his designee;
(II) The chief executive officer of the
Wyoming business council or other person designated by the
council; and
(III) A person with interest, training and
expertise in water resource matters from the University of
Wyoming or the Wyoming Water Resource Research Institute,
appointed by the president of the university with the approval
of the board of trustees.
# Subgroup 1:
3
Subgroup 3 (racial, ethnic, minority, or community/group representation):
member of the Arapahoe or Shoshone Tribes who is a resident on the Wind River Indian Reservation, public at-large
# Subgroup 3:
2
Subgroup 4 (geographic):
(2) residents appointed from each Water Division I-IV
# Subgroup 4:
8
Subgroup 5 (political party):
Not more than 75% can be from same political party
# Subgroup 5:
Subgroup 6 (other):
adjudicated water right
# Subgroup 6:
1
Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc
# of meetings in 2024:
7
# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
7
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:
7
Mandatory meeting requirements:
quarterly
Online public participation allowed?:
yes
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
yes
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission will plan, develop, and manage the state's water resources. This includes formulating state water plans, overseeing the water development program, and constructing water projects. They coordinate planning, contract with federal agencies, and regulate water use. The commission promotes water facilities for various uses, ensuring water availability for municipal, domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
WY Water Development Office
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
To ensure that the West has an adequate, secure and sustainable supply of water of suitable quality to meet its diverse economic and environmental needs now and in the future.
(1) to accomplish effective cooperation among western states in the conservation, development and management of water resources; (2) to maintain vital state prerogatives, while identifying ways to accommodate legitimate federal interests; (3) to provide a forum for the exchange of views, perspectives, and experiences among member states; and (4) to provide analysis of federal and state developments in order to assist member states in evaluating impacts of federal laws and programs and the effectiveness of state laws and policies.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
To ensure that the West has an adequate, secure and sustainable supply of water of suitable quality to meet its diverse economic and environmental needs now and in the future.
Establishing law citation/number:
WGA resolution & WS 41-11-201
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
(1) to accomplish effective cooperation among western states in the conservation, development and management of water resources; (2) to maintain vital state prerogatives, while identifying ways to accommodate legitimate federal interests; (3) to provide a forum for the exchange of views, perspectives, and experiences among member states; and (4) to provide analysis of federal and state developments in order to assist member states in evaluating impacts of federal laws and programs and the effectiveness of state laws and policies.
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
no
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The Western States Water Council (WSWC) provides a platform for western states to collaborate on water resource issues. It develops and recommends water management policies, facilitates information exchange, advocates for western state interests in federal water policy, and coordinates regional approaches to water challenges.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
The Yellowstone River Compact Commission (YRCC) is a three member commission charged with apportioning the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. The Compact was entered into by Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.
Basic board information and history
Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:
Not Stated
Broad legal authority or intention statement:
The Yellowstone River Compact Commission (YRCC) is a three member commission charged with apportioning the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. The Compact was entered into by Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.
Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting
Can the board pass regulations/rules?:
yes
What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:
The commission oversees the operation and maintenance of streamgages and the monitoring of reservoir contents to accurately track hydrological conditions, alongside the analysis and reporting of these data. The commission approves and manages its budget, ensuring funds are properly allocated for data collection and operational needs. Crucially, it ensures compliance with the compact's water allocation provisions, addresses water rights disputes, and monitors water call situations. The commission also oversees adjudication and water rights updates, facilitating information exchange between states. To ensure informed decision-making, it utilizes a Technical Advisory Committee for expert guidance on hydrological matters and coordinates with federal and state agencies for data sharing.
Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
WY state engineer
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):