Uintah Basin energy project gets OK, environmentalists sound off
06/18/12
WASHINGTON — Dismay on one side and jubilation on the other.
That's the reaction to Monday's announcement by the Interior Department that it has approved the expansive Gasco natural gas project in the Uintah Basin. Environmental groups called it a betrayal of the collaborative approach to energy extraction, while community officials and others hailed the decision for the economic boost it will bring to the area, including the potential for more than 2,700 jobs by one estimate.
"We are very pleased it has been approved. It's been a long time coming," said Uintah County Commissioner Mike McKee, noting it will infuse a $5 billion investment to the economy over the life of the project.
