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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Colorado's first oil shale rush

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5928435
Historically, the most important feature of Colorado's first oil shale boom became the private ownership of land. Most of this acreage was eventually obtained by private petroleum corporations. However, the federal government retained control of the majority of the state's deposits. Nevertheless, charges persisted that illegalities were rampant during the private acquisition of shale land. Allegations of graft caused some observers to urge that the federal government maintain perpetual control of the mineral. The potential wealth of the immense deposits would thus be protected in the public interest. At the other extreme, some participants insisted that only unrestricted private access to the mineral would promote meaningful industrialization. The issue of government involvement with oil shale's development became especially significant. Federal programs regarding the resource were substantial in number. Highlighting these in the 1920s was the construction and operation of a pilot oil shale plant near Rifle, Colorado. The facility was operated by the US Bureau of Mines. The complicated story of Colorado's first oil shale boom is perhaps the account of the state's last pioneer mineral rush.
OSTI ID:
5928435
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English