A new assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified substantial undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Mowry Composite Total Petroleum System, spanning southwestern Wyoming and extending into parts of Colorado and Utah. The Department of the Interior, which released the findings, estimates the region could contain up to 473 million barrels of oil and 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These resources are classified as technically recoverable, meaning they could potentially be extracted using current technology.
“This new U.S. Geological Survey assessment underscores the role of American energy resources in strengthening our energy independence and driving economic development across the West,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. He emphasized that this science-based evaluation equips decision-makers and industry leaders with critical data to support job creation, boost domestic energy supply, and guide responsible resource management. The phrase “We Map, Baby, Map” captures the Interior Department’s commitment to continually updating estimates of recoverable resources.
A Region Rich in Untapped Resources
The Mowry Composite system has long been known for its energy potential. Since exploration began in the 1950s, the area that includes the Dakota Sandstone, Muddy Sandstone, Mowry Shale, and Frontier Formation has already produced approximately 7.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 90 million barrels of oil. Despite this, the newly released assessment highlights even greater undiscovered potential.
According to Acting USGS Director Sarah Ryker, “U.S. Geological Survey energy assessments typically focus on undiscovered resource areas where science tells us there may be a resource that industry hasn’t discovered yet.” The Mowry region, formed from a prehistoric shallow sea that once blanketed much of the Rocky Mountains, presents promising geological features for energy exploration. Notably, the latest report excludes additional productive formations like the Lance Formation, Lewis Shale, and Mesa Verde Group, which are also part of the larger Southwestern Wyoming Geologic Province. This suggests the region’s total resource potential could be even higher when those are considered.
A Legacy of Energy Research to Guide Future Development
The U.S. Geological Survey has been conducting energy assessments for over 50 years, a mission that began after the 1970s oil embargo revealed the need for a deeper understanding of domestic energy reserves. These assessments are now a vital tool for both public and private sector stakeholders. For government agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, USGS data informs land-use and resource management strategies. Meanwhile, energy companies rely on these insights to guide exploration and investment decisions.
Since 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey has expanded its focus to include unconventional, technically recoverable resources, reflecting advances in extraction technology. As the energy landscape evolves, such assessments remain central to shaping U.S. energy policy and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
The findings from the Mowry Composite Total Petroleum System not only underscore the nation’s untapped energy reserves but also highlight the ongoing importance of scientific research in guiding sustainable and strategic resource development.
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