Star-Tribune Editorial Board

As gasoline prices continue to rise, Americans are changing their opinions about how to solve the current energy crisis.

A Pew Research Center report in February found that 35 percent of the public wanted to expand exploration, mining and drilling of oil and gas. In June, that number increased to 47 percent and will likely go higher as prices at the pump soar.

Half of all Americans, according to the survey, now favor drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. Fewer people seem concerned about wildlife when backers of ANWR drilling note that the exploration could eventually bring down gas prices, as well as reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

With its huge reserves of oil and gas, Wyoming is also a prominent player in the drilling debate. But make no mistake: Our state has, and will continue, to do more than its fair share to provide energy to this nation. In addition to oil and gas, Wyoming is the largest producer of coal in the country. And with its abundant wind and solar resources, the state is on the verge of becoming a major player in the quest for renewable energy.

If anyone thinks Wyoming isn't pulling its weight, remember this statistic: About 94 percent of public lands in Wyoming under the control of the Bureau of Land Management are open to oil and gas drilling. That's a total of 17 million acres.

While other states have tightened their bureaucratic control over energy exploration by passing laws to prevent drilling, Wyoming has done everything in its power to increase production. Our state can't be expected to solve all of the nation's energy woes.

Mineral production is the basis of the state's economy. It provides high-paying jobs and revenue for ample government services. The state has a strong interest in doing what it can to see that the industry continues to prosper.

But considering the amount of minerals produced in the state, it's definitely not out of line for Wyoming to request that some special areas be made off-limits to oil and gas drilling. In fact, it's the duty of state officials to do so, as Wyoming continues to seek growth on its own terms.

Two of those areas are the Wyoming Range in the western part of the state and Adobe Town in the southern Red Desert. Gov. Dave Freudenthal has gone to bat for both, arguing that the state should be able to protect its tourism industry and preserve critical habitat for wildlife.

We expect that many people in other parts of the country won't be able to appreciate the value Wyoming citizens place on their wildlife. And if they think more drilling will keep $6 a gallon gas prices away, they'll be more than happy to recommend increased exploration in Wyoming - particularly if the ANWR project is ever approved.

We urge Wyoming officials here and in Washington to stand their ground, and protect our heritage. Wyoming has long been one of the first places companies look for new drilling opportunities, and the state will continue to serve the nation's interests. But it's time for the state to say, "Look somewhere else for a change."