Drilling Foes Want To Buy Wyoming Range Leases

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Opponents of natural gas drilling in the Wyoming Range want to buy an energy company’s drilling leases, but both sides appear to be waiting for the other to make the first move.

The Associated Press reported Friday that Plains Exploration and Production of Houston says it will consider offers but hasn’t received any.

Citizens for the Wyoming Range says the company needs to set a price so the group can determine whether it can raise the money.

The company owns leases in the Noble Basin area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The company has said it wants to drill as many as 136 wells from 17 well pads.

The sites are in an area considered prime habitat for moose, elk and mule deer at the headwaters of trout streams.