This bill establishes new regulations regarding the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines in Wyoming. It prohibits the use of eminent domain to place pipelines for carbon dioxide sequestration and requires that any entity seeking to condemn property for such pipelines must negotiate land use and compensation agreements with at least 66% of the landowners involved. Additionally, the bill mandates that the entity provide proof of compliance with these requirements and gives notice to local governing bodies before commencing any condemnation actions. It also stipulates that existing easements cannot be used for additional carbon dioxide pipelines without renegotiation unless they specifically allow for such use.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing definitions and provisions related to eminent domain, clarifying that the new regulations apply specifically to carbon dioxide pipelines and that no property can be condemned for these purposes under any other law without adhering to the new requirements. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, and the bill ensures that it does not affect existing contracts or projects that have already begun the permitting process before this date.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0209 v0.4: 1-26-502, 1-26-815