Drilling "Change of Heart" in Western Wyoming?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
'Too much, too fast' has become a super majority opinion on plans to add thousands of new natural gas wells in the Pinedale area. An analysis of public comments shows 99 percent want restrictions on drilling. Linda Baker with the Upper Green River Valley Coalition says it's become more than just a conservation issue, the drilling boom has become an infrastructure and services issue. She says that's why even many who used to support aggressive development have changed their minds.
"It creates a lot of problems for our sheriff's department, our clinic, our one grocery store, roads and sewer system."
Baker notes that ranchers and sportsmen have also been vocal in trying to slow down the pace of drilling because the projects kick them off public land. Oil and gas companies say the economic benefits can pay for infrastructure improvements.
Baker points out that the governor, the town of Pinedale, Sublette County and even the Environmental Protection Agency have raised concerns about the drilling boom.
"Now that we've had this unexpected pace and level of development, people are starting to understand that the impacts are greater than the BLM ever analyzed."
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…