World energy needs a boon for state

Wyoming’s booming economic performance has created an increase in employment openings in a number of sectors.

CHEYENNE – Due to the increasing global demand for its energy resources, Wyoming’s economy performed second best in the nation last year, officials say.

The increase in employment opportunities, vigorous natural-gas production, a consistent low housing foreclosure rate and a mining industry powerhouse led the way. But all industries are expanding due to the booming energy sector.

“Clearly the mining sector, such as wholesale trade, construction and transportation, has had a tremendous increase,” said Wenlin Liu, senior economist with Wyoming’s Economic Analysis Division. “We are seeing monumental growth.”

The tapering off of drilling activities for coal bed methane, a lack of qualified workers and wildlife concerns have combined to stifle the state’s growth rate to stifle a bit, Liu said.

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle