Wyoming Oil Production Up In 2012

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming oil production topped 57 million barrels last year.

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reports that the production total represents an 8 percent bump since 2003 and an 11 percent increase since 2009.

Bruce Hinchey, of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, attributes much of the increased production to new technology that results in more oil being extracted.

But while the state oil production has been increasing in recent years, it is still nowhere near the state's all-time peak.

The Associated Press reports that in 1978, statewide production topped 135 million barrels.