The bill amends existing laws regarding the power of eminent domain in Wyoming, specifically prohibiting the use of this power for the placement of pipelines that convey carbon dioxide for carbon capture, utilization, or storage purposes. The new legal language specifies that while utilities and petroleum companies retain the right to condemn land for their operations, this right does not extend to projects related to carbon dioxide pipelines. The amendments include the insertion of a new subsection (b) in W.S. 1-26-814, which explicitly states that no person shall use eminent domain for these carbon-related pipelines, and a reference to this prohibition is also included in W.S. 1-26-815(a).

The bill further clarifies that these provisions will apply to carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects that commence construction on or after July 1, 2025, with the act itself taking effect on the same date. This legislative change aims to regulate the use of eminent domain in the context of emerging carbon management technologies, reflecting a shift in policy regarding land use for environmental purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-26-814, 1-26-815