More than 8,600 wells have been drilled in the river basin, with thousands more are planned. About 80 coal-bed methane companies operate in the region. Many of the companies report fat profits, and some of the nation's largest energy firms are staking claims in the region. Marcus Miller, who came from Michigan to drill for methane, worked on a well near Spotted Horse, Wyo. Thousands of wells are being dug to tap the region's vast gas deposits.
Conservationists are worried about the consequences.
California's surplus has shriveled in recent months due to the energy mess. Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer recently told Congress that his state's energy potential is huge. We have it. This is Dick Cheney country to boot. The vice president is from Wyoming.