Abstract

An extensive natural gas transmission system now exists in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. The state has over twelve major natural gas pipelines and fourteen natural gas storage facilities. In addition, seven major pipelines are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and transport natural gas from the region in all directions in the interstate system. Two new pipelines are proposed to transport gas from southwestern Wyoming to California. The basins of Wyoming and adjacent areas contain nearly twenty-five percent of the nation's natural gas reserves (excluding Alaska) but at present contribute about six percent of the production principally due to capacity constraints and distances to the markets. Dramatic changes in the regulation of transportation and marketing have increased the options for producers to market gas from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region.