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Bill

SF 50

State engineer-surface and ground water study.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barry Crago and 11 co-sponsors

Wyoming mandates state engineer to conduct comprehensive surface and groundwater resource study to inform future water policy and management decisions.

Assigned Chapter Number 70
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Bill Summary · SF 50

Legislative bill overview

SF 50 directs Wyoming's state engineer to conduct a comprehensive study of the state's surface and ground water resources, examining availability, usage patterns, and potential impacts. The bill has been signed into law as of March 6, 2026, making this study a formal state mandate.

Why is this important

Water management is critical to Wyoming's agricultural, industrial, and municipal sectors. This study will provide data-driven baseline information to inform future water policy decisions, particularly as climate change and population growth create pressures on limited water supplies in an arid state.

Potential points of contention

  • Study scope and cost: The bill doesn't specify funding levels or timeline, which could lead to disputes over resource allocation and completion deadlines
  • Ground versus surface water allocation: Competing interests between agricultural users, municipalities, and environmental conservation may clash over study priorities and findings
  • Use of findings: Stakeholders may disagree on how study results should influence future water rights decisions, particularly in regards to agricultural versus urban allocation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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