Wyoming

The graphs on the left show the rate of growth compared to the earliest year for which we have data -- in most cases 2003. The gray lines represent a theoretical constant annual rate of change. The bar charts on the right show the actual values for each year we have data. For example, in 2011, Wyoming had 2,239 new wells drilled.

Notes: Data are for the calendar year. Enforcement actions include only "show cause" hearings, which are scheduled when an operator is unwilling or unable to comply with a request for action. The numbers for enforcement staff include one supervisor. Wyoming provided biennial budget figures for FY2010-2011 and FY2011-2012. Total well counts in 2010 and 2011 are snapshots as of December of each year. Total wells are producing oil and gas wells.

BLM Data

In Wyoming, much of the oil and gas drilling takes place on land that is federally regulated, which can include national parks or Native American reservations. Data provided by the Bureau of Land Management represents wells drilled on that land.

Notes: In September, ProPublica submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Wyoming division of the Bureau of Land Management for data on the oil and gas wells under the division's jurisdiction. ProPublica has not yet received a response, despite several phone calls and emails.