I think there are lots of possibilities for this. I remember reading that they were looking at some deposits in Montana and I think a couple of other western states. Some months ago, there were also large oil shale deposits found along the Rockies. I think the largest hurdle is probably going to be to fight the environmental wackos on doing the mining of the coal and oil shale. Look at how they've been w drilling in Alaska in a place few people live - - I can only imagine the fight w mining, etc in the lower 48. Even though this would bring lots of jobs and could make us more energy self-sufficient (which in turn helps us w Nat'l Sec - -e.g, we won't be held hostage by the likes of Chavez and Immanutjob, etc.) Just my $.02
I understand that in spite of the EW's gas drilling in Colorado is going full steam ahead; with wells popping up throughout the Rockies. Now, if they can get oil drilling going, too -- that may be another story altogether.