Rockies picked for energy development

Associated Press

July 7, 2003

DENVER (AP) - The Bush administration is promoting a pilot energy development project in the Rocky Mountain West, The Denver Post reported Sunday.
The newspaper said the White House has charged a group of top administration officials with finding ways to streamline environmental approvals and accelerate renewable-energy projects, pipeline construction and natural-gas drilling on public lands.
The group, called the Rocky Mountain Energy Council, will hold its first meeting Tuesday at the Denver Federal Center, where it may set up permanent offices.
The Bush administration and industry are eager to tap into what's been called a "Persian Gulf of natural gas" in the West, and the meeting comes after dire warnings from Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan of natural-gas shortages damaging the U.S. economy.