The bill amends existing laws related to environmental quality in Wyoming, specifically concerning the approval process for mine permits and reclamation plan revisions. It introduces a requirement that if the surface landowner is different from the operator or mineral owner, written consent from the surface landowner must be obtained before any permit or reclamation plan can be revised or altered. This change aims to ensure that landowners have a say in decisions that may affect their property.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that certain permit revisions can occur without public notice or hearing, provided they do not propose significant alterations to the reclamation plan. However, the new provisions emphasize the necessity of obtaining the surface landowner's consent in writing for any revisions when the landowner is not the operator or mineral owner. The act will apply to all applications for mining permit revisions or reclamation plan alterations submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality on or after July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-402, 35-11-416