House supports CO2 storage bills

CHEYENNE - A series of underground carbon storage bills continue to move through the Legislature with little opposition.

House Bills 56, 57, and 58 won approval on second reading in the House Monday. House Bill 80 was approved on general file.

The bills will help govern the underground storage of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas thought by most scientists to contribute to global climate change.

The bills stipulate that companies seeking to inject carbon dioxide must not harm oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as how landowners are compensated.

They also clarify how underground carbon storage will integrate into Wyoming's existing split-estate laws, and they assign liability for sequestered carbon dioxide to the companies that inject the carbon into the ground.

Senate endorses campaign donor bill

CHEYENNE - A bill that would allow individuals to contribute more to political campaigns received preliminary approval from the Senate on Monday.

Senate File 12 would raise the cap on contributions from $1,000 per election to $2,300 per election. The primary and general elections are considered as single elections, so individuals would be able to contribute up to $4,600 per candidate during the full election cycle.

Supporters of the bill point out that the cap has not been raised in years, and say that the cost of running an election has increased.

Opponents worry that the larger spending limits will make it easier for wealthy contributors to control the outcomes of elections in Wyoming. The bill will next be considered on second reading in the Senate.

Sex offender bill moving fast

CHEYENNE - A bill that would prevent the release of accused sexual offenders' names until cases reach the district court is quickly moving through the legislative process.

Currently, the names of those charged with sex crimes may be release as soon as the charges are filed in circuit court, and before a judge hears the case.

Supporters of SF 25 say that the potential for damage to the reputations of those accused require a higher level of scrutiny before their names are released. They also say that the early release of the names could help identify sex crime victims.

Opponents of the bill argue that the bill restricts the release of information that the public has a right to know. They also point out that the names of those charged with murder and other major crimes are released when the charges are filed. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Cheneys will address Legislature

CHEYENNE - Vice President Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney will address a joint session of the Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday, according to the Legislative Service Office.

The Wyoming House and Senate will honor the Cheneys with a resolution, and the Cheneys will deliver brief remarks. Security at the capitol is expected to be tight.

Dick Cheney is also scheduled to receive an award from the Boy Scouts of America in Cheyenne on Wednesday.

Cheney, who grew up in Casper, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives six times. He also served as secretary of defense during the Gulf War.

The Cheneys own a home in Jackson and will spend about half of their time in Wyoming, Cheney told the Star-Tribune earlier this year.