Reported by WEN Staff

Large majorities in Montana and Wyoming believe energy co-exists favorably with the environment, agricultural operations and wildlife, according to a poll sponsored by the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance (CBNGA).

The poll was conducted toward the end of last year by Moore Information, a nationally recognized research firm and included a variety of questions to determine residents’ knowledge and opinions of coalbed natural gas development in their state.  A total of 800 registered voters – 400 in each state – were questioned. The poll has a 95 percent confidence interval, with a plus or minus 5 percent confidence ratio. 

“There is a striking similarity between Montana and Wyoming,” said CBNGA Director Monica Deromedi. “Almost all of Montana and Wyoming citizens that we polled confirmed our long-standing belief that coalbed natural gas development can exist in harmony with nature.”

The poll covered a wide-range of topics in addition to energy and recreational values such as the relationship between energy and the economy, produced water and level of awareness of coalbed natural gas.

ENERGY & RECREATIONAL VALUES

In Montana, 81 percent believe oil and natural gas exploration;
grazing, mining and timber activities are compatible with
recreation, hunting, fishing and preservation. In Wyoming, 85
percent think these activities are compatible.

ENERGY DEVELOPMENT & THE ECONOMY

Voters also overwhelmingly support oil and gas development and exploration – 79 percent in Montana and 89 percent in Wyoming are supportive.

PRODUCED WATER

According to respondents, the public believes it should be up
to ranchers how they use produced water that meets state
standards. Ninety-three percent of Wyoming voters surveyed
agree landowners should be able to use water from the process
of removing coalbed natural gas as they see fit, if the water
is tested and found suitable for irrigation, livestock
consumption and wildlife use. In Montana, 86 percent were in favor.

AWARENESS

According to an analysis of the responses, the more people know
about CBNG development, the more positive they are. For
example, once voters realized how many tax dollars CBNG
development brought to their state, they were much more
favorable (68 percent more so in Montana and 83 percent more
favorable in Wyoming), said Deromedi. 

 

The Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance is an organization of about
600 energy providers, businesses, ranchers, farmers and
individuals in Montana and Wyoming who support responsible
energy development.

Formed in 2001 as a cooperative effort to bring together the
many parties involved in natural gas development, the objective
of the Alliance is to grow the economy of the region through
responsible development of coalbed natural gas while
maintaining the region’s values and sense of place.

One way the CBNGA does this is by providing accurate
information and education about coalbed natural gas development
in the region. Operating companies, mineral right owners,
interested individuals and those calling the land home have all
come together and worked collaboratively towards this common
goal.

This poll was conducted on behalf of the Coalbed Natural Gas
Alliance, the Montana Petroleum Association and the Petroleum
Association of Wyoming.