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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2001

A coalition of environmental groups wants the Department of Interior to stop issuing leases for coalbed methane development in Montana and Wyoming until a pending study is completed.

The groups say they don't oppose development but have concerns on how it is done. So in addition to seeking a moratorium on Bureau of Land Management leases, the groups want the government to address water usage, cleanup and public participation in the process.

The BLM is set to issue a draft of an environmental impact statement by November 30.

Region 8 of the Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing separate standards affecting water discharge of coalbed methane drilling. The regulations will apply to Indian Country, should tribes allow development.

The Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming is considered prime leasing ground. The Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations in Montana and the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming are considered potential development spots.

Get the Story:
Environmental groups want methane developed in stages (The Billings Gazette 10/17)

Relevant Links:
Coalbed Methane, Region 8 - http://www.epa.gov/region08/water/
wastewater/npdeshome/cbm/cbm.html

Related Stories:
Wyo. approves methane generator policy (10/12)
N.D. eyed for methane production (10/4)
Methane standards to affect tribes (9/26)