Wyoming BLM: Study Drilling Project Climate Impacts

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Bureau of Land Management's Wyoming Office has directed federal regulators to do additional analysis of the climate impacts of a planned 156-well drilling project in northern Converse County.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the decision Wednesday states that the BLM Casper Field Office must complete a supplementary analysis of additional greenhouse gas emissions that would result from the development of oil and gas wells on public lands leased by Houston-based EOG Resources.

A representative from the Center for Biological Diversity says the decision appears to represent a "growing acknowledgment" within the BLM that environmental laws require public land managers to consider the climate consequences of public lands fossil fuel development.

A spokesman for EOG Resources says the company will continue to work with the BLM on the project.