'Fracking' planned for Bridger-Teton National Forest

Bridger-Teton National Forest officials may permit an energy company to use hydraulic fracturing to drill 136 wells in the Noble Basin area of the Wyoming Range before an EPA study determines whether the technique is safe.

The Bridger-Teton reached that conclusion in a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed energy development, released late last year. An environmental impact statement is the most stringent level of analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

EPA researchers are expected to have preliminary results of the new fracking study by late 2012. Bridger-Teton officials have said they hope to have a final environmental document on the Noble Basin plan finished later this year.

Attend a public hearing in Jackson, Jan. 18th.