Category: Comment Letters

PAW Statement on Senator Lummis’ Retirement

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming would like to thank U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis for her years of leadership and advocacy for Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry—from her service in the U.S. House to the U.S. Senate, including as Chairman of both the House and the Senate Western Caucus. PAW President, Pete Obermueller, who served […]

PAW Victory: D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Anti-Oil and Gas Groups Must Show Actual Harm

PAW Victory: D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Anti-Oil and Gas Groups Must Show Actual Harm Court tells litigious organizations they cannot claim harm without specifics July 15, 2025 Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), representing the state’s leading economic driver, applauds a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. […]

PAW Submits Comments to Secretary Burgum Regarding Regulatory Issues Impacting Wyoming

January 20, 2025 The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) submitted comments to Secretary Doug Burgum as a part of the Department of Interior‘s regulatory review request for information. Given the fact that the federal government owns approximately 48% of Wyoming’s surface acreage and approximately 67% of Wyoming’s subsurface mineral estate, there are many issues of […]

PAW Statement on DOI Accelerated Permitting Procedures

The federal permitting process has become unworkable, bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic delays. Today, permits are almost guaranteed to face legal challenges from activists who seek to halt all development of U.S. resources — regardless of thorough environmental review. One need look no further than the Converse County EIS, which, despite nearly a decade of study, is still being challenged in court. Clearly, change is needed. We appreciate the Administration’s efforts to evaluate the permitting process and urge Congress to pass comprehensive permitting reform. Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry remains committed to supplying the energy our nation needs, supporting essential state services, and serving as strong community partners—all while protecting the Wyoming landscapes we love for future generations.

The federal permitting process has become unworkable, bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic delays. Today, permits are almost guaranteed to face legal challenges from activists who seek to halt all development of U.S. resources — regardless of thorough environmental review. One need look no further than the Converse County EIS, which, despite nearly a […]

PAW Statement on the Appointment of Cyrus Western as EPA Region 8 Director

PAW congratulates Cyrus Western on his appointment as Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 8. His deep knowledge of Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry, along with his commitment to balanced, commonsense policies, makes him well-suited to oversee the region’s offices. We are confident that his leadership will bring thoughtful, pragmatic solutions to the regulatory challenges facing Wyoming’s energy producers, ensuring the state’s vital industry can continue to thrive while safeguarding its natural resources.

PAW congratulates Cyrus Western on his appointment as Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 8. His deep knowledge of Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry, along with his commitment to balanced, commonsense policies, makes him well-suited to oversee the region’s offices. We are confident that his leadership will bring thoughtful, pragmatic solutions to […]

Petroleum Association of Wyoming Applauds Passage of SF 20, a Novel Solution to Federal Overreach

(L to R): PAW President Pete Obermueller, PAW Board Member Tom Van Kleef, Rep. Dalton Banks, Rep. J.T. Larson, Rep. Christopher Knapp, Governor Mark Gordon, Rep. Martha Lawley, Rep. Nina Webber, Rep. Kevin Campbell, and Rep. Scott Heiner pose for a picture following the signing of SF 20 - Oil and gas bonding-options and bonding pools.

Petroleum Association of Wyoming Applauds Passage of SF 20, a Novel Solution to Federal Overreach Bonding Bill Allows Industry to Meet Federal Obligations Without Driving Small Operators Out of Business Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) applauds the Wyoming Legislature and Governor Mark Gordon for the passage and signing of Senate File […]

PAW Response to BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule

PAW issued the following in response to the Bureau of Land Management announcement regarding its Conservation and Landscape Health Rule: The BLM’s new Conservation and Landscape Health Rule will upend the nearly 50-year, multiple-use management ethos once held by the agency; elevating conservation above all other uses, such as mineral production, livestock grazing and recreation, […]

PAW Response to BLM Sage-Grouse Conservation Plans

PAW issued the following in response to the Bureau of Land Management announcement regarding greater sage-grouse conservation plans: Sage-grouse population data in Wyoming shows that we already have a successful management plan in place. The BLM has provided alternatives that recognize the monumental collaboration between federal, state and local officials, the oil and natural gas […]

PAW Applauds the Courts for holding Unelected Bureaucracies to Account

Supreme Court Building

PAW Applauds the Courts for holding Unelected Bureaucracies to Account On the same day Biden Administration is forced to hold federal lease sale, Supreme Court rules EPA exceeded its Congressional Authority June 30, 2022 Casper, Wyo. – Today, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) issued the following statement in response to both the Q2 2022 […]

PAW Statement on WOGCC Supervisor Mark Watson’s Retirement

PAW Statement on WOGCC Supervisor Mark Watson’s Retirement May 11, 2021 Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) Supervisor Mark Watson will retire in July: “PAW would like to recognize Mark for his dedication to the […]