Wyoming Energy Regulator Resigns

The State Oil and Gas Supervisor, Tom Doll, has resigned his position. He came under fire last week, after saying greed was a motivating factor for people in the Pavillion area who blame hydraulic fracturing for polluting the groundwater.

Doll made the comments last week at a meeting of state regulators in Vancouver, British Columbia. The energy news publication “Energywire” quoted Doll as saying Pavillion area residents are “just looking to be compensated.” He later apologized for the remarks.

Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” involves pumping water, sand and chemicals underground to open oil and gas deposits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a report theorizing that fracking might have polluted groundwater in the Pavillion area.

In response to Doll’s resignation, Governor Matt Mead issued this statement:

“I appreciate Tom’s work and his depth of knowledge on oil and gas matters. He has extensive experience in the energy field and has demonstrated a commitment to the Oil and Gas Commission. I appreciate his service and wish him the best. With Tom’s resignation we will immediately begin the process of searching for a new Supervisor.”

The State Oil and Gas Supervisor is the director of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Tom Doll was appointed in 2009.