Show Oil Shale Potential Sets bets Afire The potential of the vast oil shale reserves in eastern Utah western Colorado and Wyoming has set the energy industries afire Last week The Vernal Ex- Ex Express Express press rEported that Secretary of the Interior Stewart L Udall has asked for tor suggestions suggestions from companies creating power of all kinds and rom from the public at large on how to exploit oil shale PERSONS attending the annual meeting Saturday in Denver of the Rocky Moun taro tain Oil and Gas are of f the opinion that Congress will write an entirely separate leasing act for oil shale de- de development development in this area Association officials com com- commented commented that the possibility of an oil shale industry can can- cannot not be ignored Controlling the fire some some- somewhat somewhat what is the statement that there is considerable evi evidence dence at present to the effect that neither the economic cli- cli climate climate mate nor the technological timing is at hand for the development de- de development of an oil shale in in- in industry SECRETARY Udall told Sen Wallace F Bennett of bf Utah Friday that his depart ment is considering oil shale as a priority matter and every possible consideration will be given to proposals which appear to have any chance of leading to the bene bene- benefits fits which we agree may be within reach Senator Bennett has asked Udall earlier this month to come forth as quickly as possible with an order allowing development of potentially rich oil shale lands now under federal con control in Utah TilE THE SECRETARY sid said As you noted we have re- re received received quite a few proposals lease offers arid and expressions of interest regarding the leas lea leasing ing and development of oil shale lands These are receiving receiving ing our closest consideration at this time |