Casper Star-Tribune from Casper, Wyoming • 5

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Why Wyo natural gas price takes a dive GOP selection: Minute by minute Brian Jeffries, executive director of the Wyoming Pipeline Authority, said that since then there has been a lot of pipeline construction within the Rockies region, but not leading out of the region. The next major addition expected to bring significant price relief to natural gas producers here will be late 2008 when the Rockies Express pipeline reaches Ohio. Jeffries said his agency must convince producers and buyers to commit to 10- and 15-year shipping contracts wiih pipeline companies based on production plans years in advance. "The question is who sticks their neck out and how, and if we can find a way to make it less daunring," said Jeffries. The pipeline authority will bring suggestions for how to curtail the situation to the joint minerals committee this summer.

Energy reporter DuUm Eleieffer tan be reachec at (307) 577 6069 or dustm bleiiertaiperstartribune net. By DUSTIN BIEIZEFFER Star Tnbune energy reporter Wyoming's severe natural gas price depression of 3( percent compared to the national average doesn't come as a surprise for some. Mark Doclger accepted chair-manship of the Wyoming Pipeline Authority soon after Wyoming natural gas sank to 25 percent of the national average in 2002. The problem then was the same as the problem now, according to Doelger, Wyoming's natural gas industry is stuck in a vicious cycle. When production approaches or exceeds pipeline capacity to outside markets, prices are driven down on the inlet end of the pipe.

Doelger said in order for export capacity to keep pace with increasing natural gas production, there needs to be a major new pipeline expansion once every four years. So far, major pipeline expansions are occurring about every with the pipeline authority to calculate the economic impact. State revenue officials are not caught entirely off-guard. Jim Robinson, senior economist for the state's economic analysis division, reported in May that natural gas prices would continue to decline. "Energy activity for the state continues to slow down," Robinson stated in May.

"The number of rigs used in rotary and coal-bed methane drilling have fallen from year-ago levels (January through April) and the drop-off should impact Wyoming's tax revenues over the next several months." Some producers are shutting in wells, hoping to bring production back on line when prices come back up. Coal-bed methane gas producers in the Powder River Basin are hit particularly hard, but pricing information for that region wasn't immediately available Tuesday. The last major export expansion was to the Cheyenne Plains pipeline in January 2006. For more Wyoming lags nation in natural gas prices A1 six years. "Pipelines are really adverse to risk.

They want to see supply built to volume so that their pipeline is going to be full from day one," said Dodger. Just five months ago, Wyoming natural gas producers enjoyed prices competitive with the national average, selling for only 50 cents per mcf less based on the cost to transport gas to long-distant U.S. markets. That's because winter demand for natural gas in Colorado and Utah typically shrinks the volume of Rocky Mountain supply trying to get into pipelines leading out of the region. The region loses that local market in the spring, summer and fall.

Losses in state revenue could be in the millions of dollars per day. Wyoming Department of Revenue officials are working SENATE: Freudenthals choice will face electorate who didn't make the cut who you feel should've? Only six votes separate No. 5 from No. 9, and the two candidates tied for sixth are just one vote out of the next round. Do you think there will be any movement among the 10 finalists, or will the top five from the first round of eliminations make it to the second round? "Matt Mead will move into the top five replacing Frank Moore." "Marion" at L42 so.

"Who is Sansonetti? Had not heard of him before. In fact Barrasso and Simpson are the ones best known I think." "April" at 2J9p.m. "I've been a fan of Cynthia Lummis ever since meeting her a few years ago at the last state Republican Women's convention in Sheridan. She is a big supporter of women owning their own businesses and is she is very encouraging. I think she would be an awesome representative of Wyoming in the U.S.

Senate. Senator Enzi is also a great supporter of small businesses in Wyoming and Senator Thomas was as well." Posted at Advancing are the first four. The fifth is to be determined soon. Tom Sansonetti (60) John Barrasso (59) Ron Micheli (40) Cynthia Lummis (37) TIE: Randall Luthi and Matt Mead (31) There will be a special vote to determine who advances between Luthi and Mead. More to come.

"Concerned Citizen" on June 19th, 2007 3:49 p.m. "Ron Micheli? Are you kidding me? And Tom Sansonetti is a Beltway boy if there ever was one! Out of this bunch Barrasso, Lummis and Mead are the only possible candidates, and I'm not in favor of Mead because he's just another multimillionaire that has no clue about the problems of us normal Wyoming folk!" Posted at 3:49 Matt Mead gets 42. Randall Luthi gets 29. Posted at 5:28 p.m. Vote totals for the final five: Tom Sansonetti 58 John Barrasso 56 Cynthia Lummis 44 Matt Mead -30 Ron Micheli -25 "kbailey" at 533 p.m.

"The governor will pick Lummis. She has experience at many levels and he will also go for the state's first female in the U.S. Senate." Continued from A1 same position 18 years ago when President George H.W. Bush tapped former U.S. Rep.

Dick Cheney to head the Department of Defense and Craig Thomas won a special election to replace Cheney, she said. She recounted his values, love of the state, and confidence in Wyoming's people. "Craig said, 'We only work in Washington; we live in she said. The candidates often cited Craig Thomas' values during their speeches and pledged to continue his legacy. Because of the common conservatism of the candidates, the committee members had to consider other matters as well.

Cat Urbigkit of Sublette County said before the final vote that the committee would select three good candidates and it wouldn't matter who the governor selected. in 2008 the way for at least one of the congressional races next year. "This process was a very good vetting of the deep talent that this party has," Sansonetti said. Whoever is appointed should be given the opportunity to prove his or her ability to assimilate into the U.S. Senate culture and deal with people and issues, he said.

If so, Sansonetti said the new senator should be able to proceed to the general election. "The-e's no reason to have a huge divisive primary in 2008 when you've also got Sen. MikeJ Enzi on ballot, you have a congressional race on the ballot," he said. "There's enough going on for poor Fred Parady here, I don't think he needs another six-person primary." Reach Tom Morton at (307) 266-0592, or at Tom Morton casperstartribune.net. Many in attendance wore a photo of Miller, dressed in his Army uniform, along with a black ribbon.

In that photograph. Miller is grinning and looks proud of what he's doing, said Army Reserve Chaplain Robert Peterson. During the somber service inside the chapel, Peters spoke of the sacrifice Miller made for his friends and his country. "Scott's life," he said, "was a life worth living." Reach Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.woifson casperstartribune.net. Contractors Residential and Commerir al Asphalt Se.il Coating Parking Lots Roads Runways free Estimates 1-307-251-2963 SOLDIER: Family presented with American flag It takes a lot of courage for them the candidates to do that." But the final three will not lobby the governor as they did the central committee members, Sansonetti said.

"It's the governor's choice," Sansonetti said at a press conference after the meeting adjourned. "I expect the governor to ask me how I would perform," he said. While they share the same core values, Lummis said no one understands health care as much as Barrasso, no one has the federal experience like Sansonetti, and she has extensive experience as a legislator and treasurer. Lummis acknowledged she and Freudenthal did not get along well during his first term, but she believes he will be fair in his choice. The central committee's meeting also may have paved Continued from A1 procession reached the cemetery, where an honor guard from the Wyoming Army National Guard waited.

The soldiers, dressed in crisp uniforms of blue and dark green, removed Miller's flag-draped casket from a hearse and carried it to the cemetery chapel. About 100 people packed the small chapel to offer final prayers, while a sizeable crowd lingered outside. The family requested that members of the media not come inside for the Mass or chapel service. A folded American flag was presented to Miller's family and a soldier read out the medals the young man had earned in the Army. As a bugler played "Taps," quiet sobs could be heard through the building.

1-8OW5-9006 ate 1M2E2NDST. j307)266-2300 HUTOPSHOWNGCPTER (307)266-1783 By CORY MATTESON Siar Tribune staff wnler From the opening gavel to the last round of applause, the Star-Tribune blogged during Tuesday's U.S. Senate selection process. And readers added their thoughts and opinions all day as well Following are several postings and reader comments from a big day in Wyoming political history. Read the complete coverage at www.casperstar-tribune.netcandidatefo-rumblog, including posts about gift bags, questions for the candidates, and Susan Thomas' comments.

Posted at 834 a.m. A minute-plus standing ovation preceded the brief speech of Susan Thomas, wife of the late U.S. Senator Craig Thomas. "I wish my students would do that in the classroom," Thomas, a teacher, said after the applause calmed down. "Richard Garrett" at 9:49 am "Is there any way that Susan Thomas could still be selected as one of the three forwarded to the governor? Is there any sentiment in the Repub party for this idea?" Posted at 11:20 a.m.

In order of votes received, it's: Tom Sansonetti 65 John Barrasso 60 Ron Micheli-57 Cynthia Lummis 53 Frank Moore 52 Randall Luthi-51 Matt Mead -51 Paul Kruse-49 Colin Simpson 47 Bruce Asay-33 Clark Stith finished No 11 with 31 votes. Nominating speeches are currently being made for the top 10. More to come. "flounder" at 11:42 ajn. "I hope you point out in future reporting that Tom Sansonetti wrote a letter urging leniency to the judge determining the sentence for Abramoff crony Stephen Griles.

I just read the sentencing memo for Griles and it says: "Defendant Griles has declined the United States' invitation to cooperate in this ongoing criminal investigation, precluding him from receiving a substantial assistance departure under U.S 5K1.1. We have thus reached the proverbial floor of the applicable advisory Sentencing Guideline range and there is no basis in fact or in law to dig into the basement." Posted at 12.06 p.m. Nominating speeches are being made for each candidate, and then the candidates are each giving a presentation of their own. This is an opportunity for them to share personal stories and express a few opinions on national issues, etc. After lunch, things will really get going.

"KBailey" at 12:29 p.m. While it might seem like a dynasty, the Simpson family has given a lot to our great state. Hopes are Colin rises in the votes as they come down. With being No. 100 in the senate, Wyo needs a strong leader who can hit the ground running, who understands Washington, and Colin is certainly that person." Posted at 12:43 pjn.

A couple questions for anyone who's reading: Any surprises? Anybody i FAR RS Sandy Widmer Agency 265-0275 l-jt)l JLll fit' 1-. Urbigkit was looking at how the candidates would exercise responsibility and how they would be responsive to the state's citizens. "I'm looking for who's going to be the better statesman," she said. Tammy Johnson of Albany County was looking at how the candidates dealt with the questions, she said. Tm looking for straight answers." Johnson also wanted to see how the candidates fared after the grueling Tuesday, the previous week of campaigning and talking with committee members, she said.

How they handled themselves would be a good indicator of how they would function in the Senate, she said. Despite the intensity of the process, coupled with the grief of Thomas' death, Johnson admired how it turned out, she said. "It was everything I thought it would be and more. all dog cat supplies Crystals Angels faeries Knives Candles levseiry Bird Supplies Handrai.ed Exotic Birds Sidelines Sports Bar has Wyoming's Best Barbecue! The Perfect Summertime Food and the Patio is Open! Ribs, Steaks, Chicken, Sandwiches, Salads More Daily Lunch Specials Picnic Packs-3 Varieties to choose from Happy Hour 4-10 pm 7 days a week Outside Catering Available Enjoy on the Sidelines! 1 iili WilkinsCr. 307-234-9444 4 iff Kerry Huller, Star-Tribune Warren Buell, with Patriot Guard Riders, holds the flag while family and friends of Pvt Scott Miller walk into the chapel at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.

Buell, whose oldest son went to school with Miller, was glad to be asked to participate as part of the group. STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL MEETING The State Independent l.ixing Council fur the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will be holding their quarterly meeting on Friday. June 29, 2007. from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 pm.

in at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Office. 851 Werner Court Casper, Wyoming, 82601. This meeting is open to the public and ill deal with the Council's efforts to improve services for Wyoming citizens ith disabilities. Individuals wishing to attend that need special accommodations should contact Woody Absher, Program Consultant, with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at (307) 777-71Y1 VTTY ragged mm 'Friendly Professional Service on all brands" Bikes Tune Ups Camping Gear More! Hep control our unwanted pet population FREE COLLAR with any routine Spay, Neuter or declaw jjg2ilBl WYOMING HEALTH FAIRS EVERY THURSDAY BLOOD SCREENING WE'VE MOVED! 115 S. Elm St.

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