KDLY/KOVE

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – The Wyoming Environmental Quality Council
has sided with a Powder River Basin ranching couple who contested a
coal-bed methane water permit.
     The permit was issued under rules withdrawn by the state and
criticized by the Environmental Protection Agency.
     The council sided 4-2 Thursday with Marge and Bill West, who
contested a state permit held by Stephens Energy Company.
     Sheridan-based landowner group the Powder River Basin Resource
Council says the ruling could have important consequences for
Wyoming’s entire coal-bed methane industry.
     State officials question that. They say Wyoming no longer is
issuing permits under the withdrawn rules and few people are
contesting permits issued previously under those rules.
     A task force is discussing new rules.