oil industry

The economic picture in the state's two largest communities is quite different.

A Senior State Economist says that while he doesn't expect many more job losses in Wyoming over the next few months, he also doesn't expect much growth.

Oil production in the first quarter is up in Laramie County compared to last year, but low prices is steadily slowing production numbers in the county.

Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says the oil industry is making a major contribution to the Laramie County economy.

Steenbergen says Laramie County's economy is doing "extremely well" right now.

Steenbergen says the fact is that that oil industry has created 750 jobs locally, and many of the companies are continuing to hire new employees.

HOUSTON (AP) — Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by two this week to 1,763. The Houston-based company said in its weekly report Wednesday that 1,391 rigs were exploring for oil and 367 for gas...