Oil, Gas and Coalbed Methane

Tens of thousands of new oil, gas and coalbed methane wells have been sited in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming and other parts of the West, and more are planned.

Millions of acres of land across the West are being disturbed by pipelines, roads, compressor stations, transmission lines, wastewater containment ponds and well pads – turning agricultural land into industrial sites. Irresponsible development of these resources brings substantial risks to the region’s agricultural economy and environment.

Energy development can and must be done right, without polluting our water or leaving landowners and taxpayers with the costs of cleanup.

Bill Reforms Oil and Gas Program

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection. The bill would restore balance to the oil and gas industry. The bill includes provisions protecting surface owners, water, and taxpayers from the Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act, H.R. 1180.

Read WORC's news release

Learn how your representative voted

Read summary of key provisions

New Bill Protects Water, Landowners and Taxpayers

The Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act, H.R. 1180, and the Surface Owners Protection Act, S. 1931, would protect water, landowners, and taxpayers from irresponsible oil and gas development.

Learn more about H.R. 1180 and S. 1931

Groups Support Western Energy Agenda

Western Energy Agenda protects water, farmers and ranchers, wildlife, and special places.

BLM Split Estate Report Falls Short

The BLM Split Estate Report to Congress excludes ‘right to refuse consent’ and notification of surface owners about federal oil and gas development.

WORC Seeks Better Bonding and Reclamation

WORC petitioned the Bureau of Land Management to require the oil and gas industry to reclaim land damaged by drilling and to provide financial assurance bonds to protect taxpayers and landowners from restoration costs.

Read Filling the Gaps

Learn more about the petition, reclamation, and bonding

WORC Urges Agencies to Beef Up Inspection and Enforcement

WORC’s report, Law and Order in the Oil and Gas Fields, calls for balancing booming oil and gas development with public health and environmental safety by strengthening inspection and enforcement programs.

Read about WORC’s report