State Fights Back Against Potential $245M Drain from Economy

Wyoming officials, industry leaders, and energy advocates are pushing back against a controversial federal land use plan that they argue threatens the state's oil and gas economy. The Bureau of Land Management’s Rock Springs Field Office is moving to amend its long-debated Resource Management Plan (RMP) for 3.6 million acres in southwest Wyoming. Critics say the current plan, shaped by the previous administration, places too many restrictions on energy development and could cost the state up to $245 million in lost revenue by 2028.

A University of Wyoming study confirmed the economic concerns, showing major projected losses in oil and gas production. Governor Mark Gordon and other state leaders view the current RMP as a threat to Wyoming’s economic stability, particularly its energy sector. The plan’s restrictions on oil and gas development could cut off a major source of state and local revenue, reduce job opportunities, and weaken the broader business ecosystem that relies on energy-driven growth.

Meanwhile, environmental groups argue the land should receive stronger protections, with some calling for 2 million acres to be removed from future oil and gas leasing entirely. The conflict highlights deep divisions between conservation goals and energy development, and while the amendment process offers hope for compromise, the final outcome remains uncertain.

WY It Matters

The outcome of the Rock Springs RMP amendment is critical for Wyoming’s broader business climate. Energy development—particularly oil and gas—drives a significant portion of the state’s revenue, fuels infrastructure investment, and supports thousands of high-paying jobs. When energy production is restricted, the ripple effects extend far beyond the drill sites: local governments lose tax revenue, small businesses see fewer contracts, and workforce opportunities dry up. A plan that favors balanced development ensures Wyoming remains competitive, sustains its communities, and keeps the state attractive for investment across industries.