Wyoming and Montana to Sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Coalbed Methane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2001
CONTACT: RACHEL GIRT, WYOMING PRESS
SECRETARY 307-777-7437
Shane M. Hedges
Governor’s Office
406-444-5522

COEUR D'ALANE, IDAHO - Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer and Montana Gov. Judy Martz today announced the formation of a memorandum of cooperation to document the parties' commitments and their intent to protect and maintain water quality conditions in both Wyoming and Montana during an interim period during which new coalbed methane discharges in Wyoming will be allowed to proceed with caution.

The memorandum is the culmination of over six months of analysis and negotiations between Wyoming and Montana to resolve Montana's concerns with water discharge in Wyoming into the Powder River as coalbed methane wells are developed. The short-term agreement focuses on preserving the ability of Montana to use the Powder River and the Little Powder River for irrigation without shutting down coalbed methane development in either state.

"This agreement provides Montana with a process to clearly document that Wyoming will not allow any water quality problems as Wyoming develops coalbed methane," Geringer said. "Our commitment to the environment and the disciplined development of the resource has never changed. This agreement opens up communication and cooperation between our states. It is a model of how states should and can work together on difficult issues. While other states are in litigation over such issues, Montana and Wyoming sat down and worked it out. The issue could have led to nasty disputes and even costly litigation - with little chance for a reasonable solution that would benefit the environment. Instead, we acted as good neighbors should, focusing on results and coming to an agreement. I thank Governor Martz for her leadership in resolving this issue."

"Working with true leaders like Governor Geringer is one of the many privileges of serving Montanans," said Governor Martz. "Wyoming is developing their coalbed methane reserves in an environmentally sensitive manner that we will learn from in Montana. That is why this memorandum is so critically important, as it allows us to continue the cooperative relationship that will truly benefit the citizens of both states. I thank Governor Geringer for working with us - and I thank him for being a colleague and friend."

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