The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has approved a baseline groundwater testing rule that many claim is the best in the country. The five-member commission, which includes Gov. Matt Mead, unanimously passed the final rule today in Casper.

Mead praised environmental and industry groups alike for helping shape and vet a baseline groundwater testing strategy intended to provide the data necessary to determine whether oil and gas activity has an impact on groundwater resources. “Unlike the federal government, we will find that if we have not done it right, it is not set in stone. There is (opportunity) for change,” Mead said.