Editor:

The Teton County Commissioners passed a resolution on Nov. 3, in response to a request from the Teton County Board of Health, seeking disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing of gas wells in Sublette County. Our board of health is concerned about the safety of the folks at our local hospital who may be called upon to treat or care for workers exposed to these chemicals, as well as our emergency service personnel who may assist them and transport them to our hospital.

As stated in our resolution "“The Board of County Commissioners expresses its deepest concern about the lack of information about the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing in Sublette County, in particular its potential to harm the health,and safety of Teton County health workers."

The board simply asked for information that may be critical to our health care and emergency workers. The representative of the Petroleum Association, when contacted by the Casper Star-Tribune, claimed that this simple request for information is an attempt "to stop the industry." We did not propose or support anything that affects the ability of our oil and gas industry to operate competitively in Wyoming.

We understand that Colorado's industry is now required by rule to provide this information and we wish that Wyoming would do the same if our industry fails to provide this information voluntarily.

HANK PHIBBS, Jackson

Chairman, Teton County Commissioners