Wyoming Regulators Deny Protest of Company’s Drilling Plans

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — State oil and gas regulators have denied protests by land and mineral owners opposing a major oil and gas developer's more than 100 applications for drilling permits in southeastern Wyoming.

The state oil and Gas Conservation Commission denied the protests Tuesday after the group of Laramie County residents argued that Anadarko Petroleum is securing its authority over drilling in the area but is not planning to drill anytime soon.

The group argued the company is preventing development and them from making money.

A different group of landowners brought similar complaints that the commission denied last year.

Anadarko attorney Jim Mowry says this issue has already been argued and decided, noting the only difference is the name of the landowners and wells.