According to a story on Wyoming's Oil City News, a project expected to generate approx 8,000 jobs in Wyoming and roughly $18 to $28 billion in federal revenues has been approved.
The Bureau of Land Management said earlier this week that they had issued a decision allowing the development of 5,000 new oil and natural gas wells in Converse County which could easily create additional oil field jobs in Douglas WY and Casper WY
The project involves a proposal to develop oil and gas resources in Converse. BLM Wyoming says the proposal was submitted by the following companies:
- Occidental Petroleum Corporation
- Chesapeake Energy Corporation
- Devon Energy
- EOG Resources, Inc.
- Northwoods Energy
Governor Mark Gordon praised the decision, saying "It establishes what has been my goal from the beginning– to provide actual year-round drilling opportunities," and that it is "Providing companies the flexibility to make long-term, consistent plans that are not limited by a blanket drilling window makes a big difference in cost and efficiency."
He went on to say that "This ROD (record of decision) sets the framework for hundreds of jobs for Wyoming and ensures proper safeguards for the protection of our wildlife in the project area. It is an example that oil and gas operations and wildlife can and do co-exist in Wyoming."
Wyoming’s U.S. Senator John Barrasso also praised the decision.
"The Converse County Oil and Gas Project is estimated to bring thousands of jobs and substantial revenue to our state,” Barrasso said. It’s the result of years of hard work and collaboration at the local, state and federal level. I’m pleased we can finally get this important Wyoming energy project up and running."
Development of the wells would still require site-specific review and approval before construction can begin.
The BLM’s decision and other documents related to the project are available online.
