The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) has released application guidance for counties seeking to nominate areas for designation as Industrial Sovereign Zones under Enrolled Act No. 34, passed during the 2026 Wyoming Budget Session.

Industrial Sovereign Zones are intended to encourage the production of value-added manufactured products using Wyoming natural gas. Eligible projects may include processes that transform natural gas into new chemically distinct manufactured products such as hydrogen, ammonia, solid carbon or other valuable products.

“Wyoming has long been a leader in energy production, and Industrial Sovereign Zones give counties a new tool to support value-added manufacturing, infrastructure investment and economic opportunity,” said WEA Executive Director Rob Creager. “This program is designed to help Wyoming capture more value from its natural resources while supporting responsible development and local decision-making.”

Under the application process, a county commission may nominate an area within its jurisdiction for designation as an Industrial Sovereign Zone. Two or more counties may also jointly nominate a contiguous or related area. Applications must include a geographic boundary, evidence of access to natural gas resources, infrastructure information, land surface and mineral ownership, and certification of the county action authorizing the Industrial Sovereign Zone.

Once an application is determined to be administratively complete, WEA will complete a technical review within 45 days and issue a decision to certify, modify or reject the proposed Industrial Sovereign Zone.

Facilities located within a certified Industrial Sovereign Zone may be eligible for assistance navigating state licensing and permitting requirements, an expedited permit process conducted by the Department of Environmental Quality, and certain machinery tax exemptions as provided by state law.

The program also includes a voluntary Wyoming Gold Standard Certification for qualifying value-added manufactured products with methane intensity no greater than 0.2%. Products may qualify under recognized methane intensity standards, such as the MIQ Standard, the ISO Methane Intensity Standard, or an equivalent internationally recognized standard.

Public notice and engagement for proposed Industrial Sovereign Zones will occur at the county level as part of the county’s nomination and approval process.

Applications should be submitted to the Wyoming Energy Authority at wyoenergy.org/industrial-sovereign-zone-application/.