Wyoming is a big state with a big energy industry. It consistently ranks in the top five states for oil production and the top three for natural gas. With a small population but enormous land area, Wyoming produces far more energy than its residents could ever use. Most of it flows by pipeline to refineries in other states.
Where Does Wyoming Produce Oil?
Wyoming has several major producing basins:
- Powder River Basin. Located in northeastern Wyoming, the Powder River Basin has been producing oil for over a century. Recent drilling has focused on the Niobrara and Mowry shale formations. This basin also holds one of the largest coal deposits in the world.
- Green River Basin. In southwestern Wyoming, the Green River Basin is best known for its natural gas production. The Pinedale Anticline and Jonah Field are two of the most prolific gas fields in the country.
- Bighorn Basin. In north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Basin is one of the oldest producing areas in the Rockies. It has been producing oil since the early 1900s from conventional sandstone reservoirs.
- Wind River Basin. Central Wyoming's Wind River Basin produces both oil and gas from multiple formations.
Who Regulates Wyoming Oil and Gas?
The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) is the state's primary regulator. It issues drilling permits, sets production rules, and enforces well spacing requirements. The WOGCC also collects monthly production reports from every operator in the state. That data is publicly available on its website at wogcc.wyo.gov. Wyoming also has significant federal land — the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulates wells on federal acreage.
How Much Does Wyoming Produce?
Wyoming produces roughly 300,000 to 350,000 barrels of oil per day. It also produces about 7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, making it one of the top gas-producing states. The state's oil output has held relatively steady because operators have shifted from depleted conventional fields to newer shale and tight-sand targets.
Why Wyoming Matters for Exploration
Wyoming's large blocks of open federal land, relatively simple regulatory process, and proven geology make it an attractive exploration target. WOGCC well records going back decades provide a rich dataset for understanding formation characteristics before spending money on new wells.