Wyoming Range is a cautionary tale

Several years ago, in what was widely hailed as a tremendous achievement, most of the Wyoming Range was protected from oil and gas drilling. Dozens of oil and gas leases, issued during the 1990s and 2000s, were purchased and retired, and Congress passed legislation withdrawing the area from further leasing. It was a success story, achieved only through years of dogged activism from sportsmen, conservationists, and local officials, along with willing leadership from Wyoming’s congressional delegation.

But the Wyoming Range is as much a cautionary tale as it is a success story. The fact is, the...