Natural+Resources,+Department+of

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 * Department of Natural Resources **

The Department of Natural Resources "helps manage and enhance Wyoming's natural resources to further the interests of that industry, as well as, increasing the visibility of the agricultural industry." ( Wyoming Department of Agriculture website accessed March 2016). During the 1990 reorganization of the state executive branch, the Department of Natural Resources was combined with the Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Natural Resources includes the Wyoming Lean Beef Committee, the Board of Control, the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Geological Survey, the Industrial Siting Council, the Land Office and Farm Loan Board, the Land Quality Advisory Board, the Livestock Board, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the Water Development Commission, the Water Quality Advisory Board, the Wheat Marketing Commission.

=Wyoming Lean Beef Committee=

The Wyoming Lean Beef Committee was created in 1986. It creates standards and procedures for licensing and other rules necessary for the marketing of Wyoming Lean Beef.

=Board of Control=

The Board of Control was created in 1890. It administers the waters of the state, both surface and underground, in accordance with constitutional and statutory authority. The board is composed of four division superintendents and the state engineer. The Ground Water Advisory Committee, created in 1957, advises the state engineer and the Board of Control on matters relative to ground water development.

=Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors=

The Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors was created in 1907. It is responsible for licensing professional engineers and professional land surveyors.

=Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)=

The Department of Environmental Quality, created in 1973, is responsible for preventing, reducing and eliminating air and water pollution and for reclamation of land. It includes the Air Quality Advisory Board and the Environmental Quality Council. The Air Quality Advisory Board represents the public interest and advises the Air Quality Division of the department. The Environmental Quality Council hears and determines all cases or issues arising under laws, rules, standards or orders issued or administered by the department.

=Geological Survey=

The Geological Survey, created in 1890, conducts investigations of the geology, mineral and energy resources and geologic hazards of Wyoming. It publishes reports and maps and provides data, advice and assistance on request. The Governor, the President of the University of Wyoming and the State Geologist serve as ex-officio members of this board.

=Industrial Sitting Council=

The Industrial Siting Council was created in 1975 and reviews the social, economic and environmental impacts of proposed industrial facilities prior to issuing a permit authorizing construction.

=Land Office and Farm Loan Board=

The Land Office and Farm Loan Board was created in 1891 as the Board of Land Commissioners and is headed by the Commissioner of Public Lands. The office has direction, control, care, leasing and disposal of all land of the State. In doing so, it directs the administration of all land sales, the leasing of surface and sub-surface resources, and manages surface areas for special purposes. The board also directs supervision of farm and ranch, irrigation, school and joint powers loans; coal tax loans and grants; and mineral royalties grants. The board is made up of the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

=Land Quality Advisory Board=

The Land Quality Advisory Board was made in 1973 to represent the public interest and advise the Land Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Quality. During the 1990 reorganization of the state's executive branch, the board became a part of the Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture.

=Livestock Board=

The Livestock Board, created in 1891, is responsible for the protection of livestock interests in the state from disease and theft.

=Oil and Gas Conservation Commission=

The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which began in 1951, administers the statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to oil and gas conservation. It regulates, for conservation purposes, the drilling, producing and plugging of oil and gas wells, injection and disposal wells, and seismic operations. The commission includes the Governor, the Commissioner of Public Lands (see "Land Office and Farm Loan Board" above) and the State Geologist.

=Water Development Commission=

The Water Development Commission began in 1979. It is responsible for the coordination, development and planning of Wyoming's water and related land resources.

=Water Quality Advisory Board=

The Water Quality Advisory Board was created in 1973 to represent the public interest and advise the Water Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Quality.

=Wheat Marketing Commission=

The Wheat Marketing Commission, created in 1975, works with local, state or national groups to benefit the wheat industry.

=Additional Resources=