Bill > SJ0002

This joint resolution demands that the United States Congress address Wyoming's sovereign land rights by transferring federal land and subsurface resources to state control, asserting that Wyoming has been denied full statehood due to federal ownership of approximately 46% of its surface area and 69% of its subsurface resources. The resolution argues that this federal land ownership violates the constitutional principle of admitting new states on an "equal footing" with original states, effectively preventing Wyoming from exercising complete sovereignty over its territory. The Wyoming legislature is requesting that Congress confirm its intent to dispose of federal land titles by October 1, 2025, and proposing that these lands be transferred to state public land management. The resolution recognizes Wyoming's established public land culture and economy, and even offers flexibility by expressing willingness to negotiate the cession of lands with national significance. Additionally, the resolution highlights two perceived constitutional violations: admitting Wyoming as a less powerful state entity and exercising governmental control over state lands in a manner deemed "repugnant to the constitution." The document concludes by directing the Wyoming Secretary of State to transmit the resolution to key federal government officials, including the President, Congressional leadership, and Wyoming's Congressional Delegation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SJ0002