A bill that would have allowed the state of Wyoming to take over operations of Yellowstone National Park and other federal facilities during a potential federal government shutdown failed to move forward with a Wyoming House committee.
Senate File 148 failed by a 5-3 vote from the House Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Committee according to a Casper Star-Tribune report.
Under the bill, Wyoming’s Governor would have been authorized to spend up to $500,000 to operate national parks or federal facilities within the state’s borders.
The bill was sponsored by Casper Republican Charles Scott. He noted that a government shutdown could impact Wyoming’s tourism industry. Opponents questioned the constitutionality of the idea and were concerned over the bill’s language.