Skip to main content

BLM approves Shute Creek CO2 disposal and pipeline project

News Letter Journal - Staff Photo - Create Article
By
Via the Wyoming News Exchange

KEMMERER (WNE) — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the Shute Creek 7-34 carbon dioxide disposal project in Lincoln and Sweetwater counties. The well will be more than 18,000 feet deep and will permanently sequester excess carbon from the Shute Creek Gas Plant in federal pore space deep underground.

With this approval, ExxonMobil Corporation may construct a disposal well pad with an 8-inch-diameter pipeline and fiber optic infrastructure extending over 12 miles along an existing pipeline corridor and access road. The injection of carbon dioxide into underground geologic formations offers safe, secure, and permanent disposal. This project is also permitted by the State of Wyoming as a Class II disposal well.

ExxonMobil’s Gas Plant and CO2 Sales Facility currently employs 200 full-time company staff and approximately 100 full-time contract workers. During construction of the proposed well pad and pipeline, the average workforce is projected at 75, with peak employment reaching 160. 

Oil and gas development remains a major economic driver in the region. Mining, oil and gas provide around 34% of total labor income and more than 33% of sales and use tax revenue in the region.

This story was published on June 18, 2026. 

 

Ensure These Stories Are Told

Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.

Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.

If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.

Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.

--- Online Subscribers: Please click here to log in to read this story and access all content.

Not an Online Subscriber? Click here for a one-week subscription for only $5!.