Presentation: Federal Oil & Gas Moratorium Puts Uintah County at Most Risk

The Presidents of Utah Petroleum Association and the Utah Mining Association made a virtual presentation during Tuesday’s Vernal Chamber luncheon focused on the importance of Oil, Gas & Mining. According to notes on the presentation provided by the Vernal Chamber, it was stated that the executive orders now being initiated by the Biden Administration will have major impacts on the Uintah Basin. The new orders will affect both public and private lands. These orders will impact state and private land located near federal lands in what they can do, access, and uses. Presenters Rikki Hrenko-Browning, President of the Utah Petroleum Association, and Brian Somers, President of the Utah Mining Association, explained that it is impossible and not realistic to quickly move away from fossil fuels. Power generation depends on fossil fuels and could be greatly impacted, affecting a consistent supply of power. Uintah County is the most at risk from the federal production moratorium. According to the presentation, 45% of recently completed oil wells and 77% of gas wells in Uintah County are on federal land. 43% of proposed oil wells in Uintah County and 54% in Duchesne County are on federal land and 91% of proposed gas wells in Uintah County are on federal land. For more information on the presentation, contact the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce.