Wyoming Coal and Oil Collide in Powder River Basin

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A pair of Wyoming coal companies is objecting to plans for more oil wells in the Powder River Basin.

Cloud Peak Energy and Peabody Energy have raised concerns over a proposal from EOG Resources that would have the Houston-based energy company drill 1,500 wells.

The coal companies say the proposed area EOG wants to drill in overlaps with mining leases in the region. EOG's project overlaps where Cloud Peak has applied for and partially acquired leases.

Bureau of Land Management officials say whichever company acquired federal leases first would get legal precedent.