Petroleum Association of Wyoming Supports Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund
Bill authored by President Biteman and Speaker Neiman would be a win-win for both Wyoming’s economy and the public school system.
February 11, 2026
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Today, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) offered its full support to the Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund (WEDF) bill, sponsored by Senate President Bo Biteman and House Speaker Chip Neiman. Senate File 123 would reinvest a portion of severance taxes already paid by Wyoming’s energy industries into new projects supporting natural gas, oil, coal, rare earth minerals, and uranium development.
Administered by the Wyoming Energy Authority, the WEDF would create an approximately $105 million fund for matching grants and loans to spur private investment in Wyoming’s legacy industries. In addition to strengthening the state’s energy economy, the fund would generate additional long-term revenue for Wyoming’s public education system and the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund.
“President Biteman and Speaker Neiman recognize the critical role oil and natural gas play in Wyoming’s economic development and the associated tax revenues that support our communities,” said PAW President Pete Obermueller. “By investing in Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund, the legislature has the opportunity to reinvest industry-paid taxes to the benefit of Wyoming families and the state’s long-term prosperity”
In the current draft of the budget bill, these severance taxes are destined for the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account (LSRA), commonly known as the state’s “rainy day fund.” The LSRA already contains about $1.5 billion readily available to fund legislative priorities. Throughout the interim, PAW has advocated for reinvesting a portion of severance taxes into Wyoming’s leading energy sectors to drive economic growth and revenue stability.
About PAW: Representing Wyoming’s primary economic engine, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, is the voice of the oil and gas industry. Our members produce 90% of Wyoming’s oil and gas, generating over $8 billion in economic activity and employing more than 19,000 of Wyoming’s hard-working men and women. PAW strives to foster mutually beneficial relationships with Wyoming’s landowners, businesses, and communities while promoting the sustainable production of Wyoming’s abundant resources.
The Petroleum Association of Wyoming provides a forum for education, interaction, and unified action for members, policymakers, and the public.