County wants a permanent ban on new oil and gas leasing in forests
On Sept. 8, Teton County commissioners plan to back a letter urging the U.S. Forest Service to permanently withdraw National Forest lands here from new oil and gas leasing and hard-rock mineral entry, with a narrow exception for sand and gravel near existing roads.
Teton County commissioners are set to decide Tuesday whether to send a letter urging the U.S. Forest Service to permanently withdraw National Forest lands in Teton County from new oil and gas leasing and hard-rock mineral entry. The request includes limited exceptions for valid existing rights and for sand and gravel extraction within one-quarter mile of existing roads, as laid out in the county’s roadless policy and reiterated in its proposed comment letter. Roadless Rule Formal Comment Letter
If you care about clean water, wildlife habitat, and the outdoor places your kids grow up exploring, this is one to watch, because this is the county putting its name on a long-term “no new drilling or mining here” position for Forest Service land. The vote is part of a broader set of comments opposing rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, but this particular piece is about keeping new mineral development off the table in the first place. Board of County Commissioners Meeting Agenda
Background
Teton County opposes rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, citing ecological, economic, and planning risks, and urges the No Action Alternative to retain existing protections.
Latest: 2026-09-21 — Board submits a supplemental comment letter, reiterating opposition and emphasizing risks to 315,575 acres of roadless lands in Teton County.
curated as of 2026-09-12
Teton County opposes a national open-access presumption and removal of minimization criteria, citing risks to local planning, resource protection, and emergency services.
Latest: 2026-09-21 — Commissioners submit formal comment letter to US Forest Service opposing national open-access presumption and removal of minimization criteria, requesting retention of current rule or equivalent protections.
curated as of 2026-09-19
Teton County requests more analysis from the Forest Service on why proposed Grand Targhee Resort facilities must be within the approved footprint, citing concerns about alternatives, local impacts, and insufficient consideration of County standards.
Latest: 2024-01 — County reiterates concerns about insufficient analysis of alternatives, local planning standards, and impacts on infrastructure, housing, and emergency services in Forest Service documents.
curated as of 2026-07-03
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2026 | Roadless Rule Formal Comment Letter | correspondence |
| September 8, 2026 | Board of County Commissioners Meeting Agenda | agenda |