WYOMING — On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources committee voted 4 to 1 for a resolution that demands U.S. Congress turn over all federal land and mineral rights to the state of Wyoming, including Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). The committee calls on Congress to confirm its intent by Oct. 1, 2025.
The Senate Joint Resolution 2, “Resolution demanding equal footing,” covers approximately 30 million acres in Wyoming, with the exception of Yellowstone National Park, as well as any lands that “may be subsequently added to that park by Congress.”
The joint resolution reads that Wyoming is “entitled to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over all of the territory.”
During a press event on Jan. 14, Governor Mark Gordon told Wyoming journalists that his main priorities are to pursue a “net increase in state lands,” and to pave the way in energy development. He said that his goal of land acquisition would not be to remove public access, but to ensure more lands are under the purview of the state of Wyoming.
“Lease holders and permit holders will have a chance to look at a piece of land for acquisition,” Gordon said in his press address.
Teton County Representative Mike Yin told Buckrail on Jan. 31 that he does not support the resolution.
“What a terrible idea,” Yin said. “Anyone who thinks we should sell off GTNP should reconsider.”
Yin said that the resolution could be heard on the Senate floor as early as Feb. 10, according to the Legislative Session Schedule.
