Energy
In the West, energy development is tied to water. The most obvious connection exists with dams using dramatic changes in the river’s flow to generate hydroelectricity. But Natural Gas, Shale Oil, and Nuclear Power all also require water. The same geologic forces that produce rivers also produce areas that are often rich in oil and gas. Thus, much of the area surrounding the Green River is being explored for energy production, including areas in Desolation and Labyrinth Canyons.
One of the largest natural gas fields in the country is in the Upper Green River Basin of Wyoming. Located just outside of Pinedale, Wyoming, the Pinedale Anticline consists of nearly 200,000 acres of “tight sands” gas that requires hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” to extract. Fracking has created controversy lately, opponents state that the fluids used to extract the gas are toxic and can pollute groundwater. But industry spokespeople point out that the process is highly monitored, and there hasn’t been a single documented case of groundwater pollution. Other contentious issues revolve around the number of wells being drilled, air pollution, and the effect of roads and wells on wildlife.
Another form of energy that would have implications for the Green River is nuclear power. Currently, there is a proposal by former Utah State Legislator Aaron Tilton to build a power plant near Green River, Utah. It’s estimated that the plant would require 50,000 acre-feet of water to cool its cores. There is a proposal to transfer water rights from Kane County to Emery County for this project. Public hearings will be held in December of 2009 or January of 2010 to discuss this transfer. To find out when Public Meetings on this issue will be held, visit the Utah Division of Water Rights
Perhaps the biggest wildcard when looking at energy development along the Green River is Oil Shale. Currently, Shell Oil has filed for water rights on the Yampa river for its Mahogany Research Project
There is much debate about the feasibility of large-scale shale oil production, as well as how much water it would actually require. But if oil shale does become a reality, it will have major implications for the Yampa and Green Rivers.
