Energy resources development in Wyoming's Powder River Basin: an assessment of potential social and economic impacts

An assessment is made of the possible socio-economic impacts of development of coal and uranium resources in Wyoming's Powder River Basin. This area, consisting of eight counties in the northeastern part of the State, is generally sparsely populated. However, energy resource development is expected to cause a sharp increase in employment and population within a decade, mainly due to an influx of young, highly-paid workers. Increased demand for labor for energy development will probably drive labor costs up throughout the region. Housing shortages may become the most significant environmental problem. Four scenarios, differing in their projected level of coal development, were used to forecast employment and population. All four scenarios predict significant changes in employment and population prior to 1980. The scenarios differ mainly in the post-1980 growth path. This anticipated employment and population growth will not be spread evenly throughout the eight counties. More research is needed in these areas: 1) the effects of population growth with respect to housing and public facilities; 2) the source of labor; 3) income levels; and 4) settlement patterns. (BYB)