Lawmakers take energy tour in Basin

VERNAL — State lawmakers are getting a good look at the impacts of the energy boom on the Uintah Basin. About 80 senators and representatives and their families arrived in eastern Utah Monday to spend two days in Uintah and Duchesne counties.

The Basin has been recognized nationally as one of seven energy centers important to help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil and gas. However, the economic picture presents a dichotomy. There are plenty of high-paying jobs, but not enough manpower to provide many oil and gas companies with the work force they need.

And while crude oil production is plentiful and demand is high, wells are being shut down because of a lack of refining capacity in the state.

The trip is especially beneficial for recently elected lawmakers, said House Speaker Greg Curtis, R- Sandy.

"It's good to educate the new legislators on some of the issues that you face," he said.

Its been about 10 years since lawmakers paid a visit en masse to eastern Utah. At that time, the area was struggling to emerge from the energy bust of the late 1980s. This time, county commissioners and city leaders hope to spotlight the urgent need for extra state funding to keep up with the impacts of natural resource development and production.

Lawmakers met Monday with elected officials and local leaders to tour expanding oil and gas fields in Duchesne County. The county has been the state's number one producer of crude oil for the past two years.

They found out that roads are in bad shape from taking a beating daily from 60-ton supertankers that travel county roads as they move crude oil to market. The money the county receives in funding from the state has been steadily declining over the years, while costs to maintain the roads are rising, said Duchesne County Commissioner Larry Ross.

"Local government and business should not be forced to bear the full brunt of developing these resources," said Uintah County Commissioner Mike McKee. "We have significant impacts that are costing, and going to cost, us serious money. The Uintah Basin needs its legislators' support as we move forward."

Returning to the area a portion of the millions in severance tax dollars generated in eastern Utah would be a logical way for the state to help give the counties a "hand up," said Duchesne County Commissioner Rod Harrison.

The severance tax revenue goes directly into the state's general fund.