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New survey yields positive comments
about oil and gas industry
GILLETTE, WY - Two organizations, some of whose members are involved in coalbed natural gas development, have released the results of surveys they conducted during the CBM Fair June 3 and 4, 2004, in Gillette, Wyoming. The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) and the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance (CBNGA) independently conducted surveys of fairgoers who stopped by their booths about their perceptions of the energy industry and coalbed natural gas (CBNG) development. Nearly 100 people completed the more in-depth IPAMS survey and about 50 people filled out the CBNGA questionnaire. Support for oil and gas development, including coalbed natural gas development, was overwhelmingly positive as was the respondents’ overall impression of the industry.

The IPAMS survey consisted of 15 questions, many of which encouraged the participant to expand on their answers. When asked if oil and gas companies working in the area were producing natural gas responsibly, 94% stated they strongly or somewhat agreed. 92% of respondents stated that the overall impact of the oil and gas industry on their community has generally been positive. When asked the most damaging thing they’ve personally observed the industry doing, many noted roads and surface impacts. Regarding the question of what the oil and gas companies can be doing to help, the majority suggested educating the community and landowners as well as conducting better public relations. Of the people who completed the survey, only about 8% have oil or gas wells on their property although some indicated that there were wells adjoining their property or wells on their property were imminent.

Demographic profiles of the participants showed approximately ten more men than women filled out the surveys. Most survey participants were in the 45-54 age range although representatives of the 25-34 age group were a close second. Approximately half of those surveyed work in the oil and gas field or affiliated professions, and live in or around Gillette. Sheridan and Casper had good representation as well.

Although not as lengthy as the IPAMS survey, the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance’s questionnaire mirrored many of the responses seen by IPAMS. The majority of respondents noted they view landowner issues as the biggest concern for CBNG development although the choice of “none” was a close second. All but one respondent supported on-going CBNG development.

Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance Coordinator Karen Brown was enthusiastic about the results of both surveys. “These surveys, although not scientific, are nonetheless indicative of the overall positive impression oil and gas development has had on Wyoming’s communities”, she stated. “It’s easy to overlook the quiet majority of those who support development. These surveys confirm that support exists”, she added.

The Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance’s mission is to inform, educate and communicate accurate information about coalbed natural gas development within the Powder River CBNG play in Montana and Wyoming. The Alliance provides examples showing that CBNG development naturally coexists with a healthy environment, including farming, ranching and wildlife habitat.

IPAMS is a non-profit trade association representing more than 1,000 independent oil and gas producers, service and supply companies, banking and financial institutions and industry consultants in the Intermountain West. IPAMS was founded in 1974.
More information is available at
www.ipams.org