|
|
Article: Drilling method pumps up floods of conflict: Wyoming becomes a key test for technique that releases methane gas from coal beds.(USA)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- January 3, 2002
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Hal Clifford Special to The Christian Science Monitor
OREGON BUTTES, WYO. -- Beneath the desolate beauty of Wyoming's Red Desert lie rock-bound resources that could go a long way toward meeting America's burgeoning demand for natural gas.
But the potential energy supplies are also unleashing floodwaters of controversy on the open range.
At issue is a method of releasing methane - a form of natural gas - from coal beds where it is trapped. In the process, vast quantities of water are also extracted, threatening the livelihood of many ranchers.
The battle here has implications that reach far beyond this unusual landscape. It ...