An application of weak sustainability: Coal bed methane development in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming

This study examines the ability of the Coal Bed Methane Industry in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming to develop the natural gas resources in the region under the concept of 'weak sustainability'. Weak sustainability is confirmed as the State of Wyoming operates the coal bed methane industry by equitably compensating communities suffering from a loss of natural capital caused by the environmental damages and lost resources of the mining process with comparable monetary capital produced by a trust fund supported by state mineral severance taxes.