Wyoming Oil and Natural Gas Producers Contribute $1.67 Billion to State and Local Governments in 2019

Contribution equates to direct payment of $2,882 for every person living in Wyoming

August 5, 2020

Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming released its annual Facts and Figures today, highlighting the importance of the industry to Wyoming’s economy and local communities. In 2019, Wyoming’s oil and natural gas producers contributed $1.67 billion to state and local governments through taxes and royalty payments – equating to $2,882 in direct payments for government services for every person living in Wyoming.

The money paid by the oil and natural gas industry offsets the costs of government services like public education and infrastructure. In 2019, industry contributed $705 million to public education, $621 million to the state general fund and $157 million to cities, towns and counties around the state.

“These numbers show what most of us already know – Wyoming thrives when industry succeeds,” said PAW President Pete Obermueller. “In K-12 education alone, contributions from oil and natural gas equated to sending about 43,000 of our children to school last year.”

“Given the recent downturn in the industry,” Obermueller continued, “it is critical people recognize the contributions industry makes to Wyoming year after year and the importance oil and natural gas has for the future of Wyoming.”

Additional Highlights:

  • Twenty-one of Wyoming’s 23 counties produced oil and/or natural gas in 2019. Only Teton and Platte Counties produced neither
  • 40% of all property taxes in Wyoming were paid by the oil and natural gas industry
  • Of all severance taxes collected on minerals, 66% were paid by oil and natural gas companies
  • In 2019, more than 19,000 hard-working men and women were employed in the oil and natural gas industry with total wages paid equaling nearly $1.12 billion
  • 737 wells were drilled and completed in 2019
    • 50% found oil
    • 37% found natural gas
    • 13% were dry

For a complete breakdown of PAW’s Oil and Natural Gas Facts and Figures, visit www.pawyo.org/facts-figures.

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 $5 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.