March 2, 2026

Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming believes the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision to vacate the entire Converse County Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is flawed. The ruling ignores the United States Supreme Court’s 8-0 decision that narrowed the scope of NEPA reviews in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado last May.

The ruling is a blow to the creative work of balancing development and conservation in Wyoming that will limit future collaborations if left standing. It is definitive proof that the federal mineral management system is broken. Thankfully, sensible resource development in the Powder River Basin will continue via other permitting avenues.

Anti-development organizations will accept nothing short of a complete ban on development of federal minerals. At a time of renewed instability in the Middle East, we should be strengthening our national security and economy through domestic production – not turning away from the natural resources with which we are blessed here at home. It is time for common-sense permitting and judicial reforms that will once again allow investment in production and infrastructure.

PAW is currently reviewing the case with our partners and will make a decision on how to proceed in the near future.

About PAW: Representing Wyoming’s primary economic engine, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, is the voice of the oil and gas industry. Our members produce 90% of Wyoming’s oil and gas, generating over $8 billion in economic activity and employing more than 19,000 of Wyoming’s hard-working men and women. PAW strives to foster mutually beneficial relationships with Wyoming’s landowners, businesses, and communities while promoting the sustainable production of Wyoming’s abundant resources.

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming provides a forum for education, interaction, and unified action for members, policymakers, and the public.