Eric Barlow’s statement on responsible energy development
Wyoming can develop resources and still respect land, water, and the people who live on it. That’s the standard I’ve lived by my whole life.
Where It Began
My family helped start the Powder River Basin Resource Council in the early 1970s as a local landowner group, and the reason was simple: major coal mining proposals were moving quickly, and neighbors needed a coordinated way to ask hard questions and protect what they had built over generations, which was their working lands, water and property rights.
The point was never to stop mining development. The point was to make sure Wyoming developed coal responsibly. Many of those same ranches had already lived alongside energy development for years. It was a Wyoming response to a Wyoming problem: development with local input, fair terms, and real accountability. The same expectations that show up today in communities across Wyoming.
What Changed
Over the decades, that organization grew, and its mission broadened into a statewide advocacy operation with priorities and litigation that no longer matched its original local-landowner purpose. I no longer felt comfortable with the proposed solutions, especially in my role as an elected representative for my community and Wyoming. So, I left.
Their priorities changed. Mine didn’t. I support Wyoming energy and the men and women who power this state, and I insist that private property and water rights are respected.
My Record
Our ranch has hosted oil development for more than 70 years. We’ve worked productively with operators because the relationship is built on mutual respect, clear expectations, and responsible development. That’s what works in Wyoming: practical solutions and fair dealing.
I took that same approach during the fast-moving coalbed methane boom. When legitimate concerns arose around downstream water, soils, and property rights, I pushed for practical solutions that minimized impacts and reduced conflict. Because, again, I don’t want to stop responsible development. I want the jobs and the dollars it brings for Wyoming’s communities. In Wyoming, we develop the right way so our children and their grandchildren can have the same opportunities on the landscapes that we have and love.
Alongside oil and gas interests, I served on a state coalbed methane working group focused on improving outcomes and communication between landowners and operators which allowed coalbed methane to continue to be produced. When people are heard, and problems get solved, Wyoming wins.
What I’ll do as Governor:
As Governor, I’ll continue to stand for the Wyoming values most people live by:
Develop our resources responsibly—with clear rules and predictable expectations that keep Wyoming strong and competitive.
Protect private property and water rights—with respect, transparency, and fair terms.
Neighbor-first problem solving—because Wyoming works when people are heard and treated fairly.
Build a robust economy—powered by energy, agriculture, tourism and the workers who keep Wyoming running.
Wyoming can lead the nation in resource development and protect what makes this place worth fighting for. We listen first, we build responsibly, and we do it right the first time.
–Eric Barlow
