Lawmakers Tour Oil, Gas-Rich Region

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah's oil and gas-rich Uintah Basin poses a host of challenges for state lawmakers, from environmental concerns to industry regulations and tax incentives. But the remoteness of the region means few on Capitol Hill have actually set foot in the area. Until now.

"We wanted to talk with local officials, to try to find out what we can do from the state to keep this part of our state growing," says Senate President John Valentine.

About half of the state's legislators are part of a two-day tour of Uintah County, including oil production sites:

"We learned a lot today about road needs out here," says Valentine. "About how the oil and gas industry is providing a huge economic energy to not just this area, but other parts of the state. We've also learned about the needs for water development and other infrastructure needs to keep this energy development going."

Valentine says it's too early to say what proposed legislation may come of the site visit. Lawmakers will continue their tour today with a visit to the Uintah Dinosaur Gardens and presentations on extracting energy from oil shale and tar sands.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW