DUSTIN BLEIZEFFER Star-Tribune energy reporter | Posted: Thursday, August 23, 2007 12:00 am
Wyoming's oil and gas producers see the political and literal landscape around them changing.
Though the industry has proven itself adept to technological and environmental challenges in the field, it hasn't done as well on the political side, according to Gov. Dave Freudenthal.
Freudenthal addressed industry officials at the Petroleum Association of Wyoming's annual convention in Casper on Wednesday. He said he can't understand why the industry lobbies against fully funding the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
"It is in your best interest" to use the funds that oil and gas injects into state coffers to mitigate the impacts of development, the governor said.
The trust fund was created in 2005 to enhance and conserve wildlife habitat in the state. The Legislature appropriated millions of dollars to the fund, and the Nature Conservancy contributed $250,000. Other conservation groups have also anted in, but so far no energy company or energy group has contributed.
Freudenthal said industry's lobby should ask legislators to fully fund the program, or the state and the BLM will likely "extract" funding from the companies directly when it comes time to permit oil and gas activity.
Petroleum association President Bruce Hinchey told the Star-Tribune that the oil and gas industry does want to see more funding for the program.
"We haven't lobbied against it," Hinchey said. "We did work on issues within the bill, mostly to make sure funds are spent wisely."
Responding to Freudenthal's comments, Hinchey said, "I think he's looking for us to go out and support putting additional money into it."