Groups petition Wyo. to toughen up oil-gas rules

A coalition of groups is asking Wyoming's state oil and gas regulatory agency to adopt tougher rules for oil and gas development. The groups have petitioned the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to further restrict the practice of flaring, or burning off excess gas from oil wells. The groups also want a wider minimum distance between drilling and homes, schools and businesses. In addition, the groups seek more penalties for accidents, including spills. The groups include the Powder River Basin Resource Council, Equality State Policy Center and smaller groups in Cheyenne, Clark, Pinedale and Pavillion. Shannon Anderson with the resource council said Tuesday that a new state energy policy opens the door to changes. John Robitaille with the Petroleum Association of Wyoming says changes are unnecessary.