Changes

The Powder River Basin in northeastern Wyoming is the largest coal-producing region in the Nation, accounting for nearly two-fifths of all coal mined in the United States. Power River Basin coal seams are thick and facilitate surface mining, making extraction easy and efficient. As a result, the price of Powder River Basin coal at the mine mouth is less than that of coal produced elsewhere in the country. Powder River Basin coal also has lower sulfur content than other coal varieties, making it attractive for electricity generators that must comply with strict emission standards.  

The Powder River Basin in northeastern Wyoming is the largest coal-producing region in the Nation, accounting for nearly two-fifths of all coal mined in the United States. Power River Basin coal seams are thick and facilitate surface mining, making extraction easy and efficient. As a result, the price of Powder River Basin coal at the mine mouth is less than that of coal produced elsewhere in the country. Powder River Basin coal also has lower sulfur content than other coal varieties, making it attractive for electricity generators that must comply with strict emission standards.  

More than thirty States receive coal from Wyoming, and several Midwestern and Southern States are highly or entirely dependent on Wyoming supply. Two railroads, operating the Powder River Basin Joint Line, move coal out of the Powder River Basin. In May 2005, three train derailments severely damaged the Joint Line, causing the railroads to curtail promised deliveries to electric utilities in several States. The affected utilities were forced to either buy more expensive coal supplies from other sources or reduce coal use by using other, more expensive fuels. A second railroad line serving the Powder River Basin has been proposed to provide an alternative coal transportation route and alleviate bottlenecks on the Joint Line.  

More than thirty states receive coal from Wyoming, and several Midwestern and Southern states are highly or entirely dependent on Wyoming supply. Two railroads, operating the Powder River Basin Joint Line, move coal out of the Powder River Basin. In May 2005, three train derailments severely damaged the Joint Line, causing the railroads to curtail promised deliveries to electric utilities in several States. The affected utilities were forced to either buy more expensive coal supplies from other sources or reduce coal use by using other, more expensive fuels. A second railroad line serving the Powder River Basin has been proposed to provide an alternative coal transportation route and alleviate bottlenecks on the Joint Line.  

Coal-fired power plants dominate Wyoming electricity generation. Small hydroelectric facilities and a growing number of wind farms also contribute to the electric power grid. Although most of Wyoming's wind power facilities are in the southeastern part of the State, its largest wind facility is situated in the southwest corner of the State. State electricity demand is low, and Wyoming exports electricity to neighboring States. Electricity transfers may reach as far as California in the future. In April 2005, four western State governors agreed to develop a 1,300-mile high-capacity power line from Wyoming to California that would allow as much as 12 thousand megawatts of electricity to flow from the energy-rich Rocky Mountain region to high-demand markets in California.

Coal-fired power plants dominate Wyoming electricity generation. Small hydroelectric facilities and a growing number of wind farms also contribute to the electric power grid. Although most of Wyoming's wind power facilities are in the southeastern part of the State, its largest wind facility is situated in the southwest corner of the State. State electricity demand is low, and Wyoming exports electricity to neighboring States. Electricity transfers may reach as far as California in the future. In April 2005, four western State governors agreed to develop a 1,300-mile high-capacity power line from Wyoming to California that would allow as much as 12 thousand megawatts of electricity to flow from the energy-rich Rocky Mountain region to high-demand markets in California.