Natural Gas Industry
Natural Gas is a huge part of the local economy in Rifle. While some gas wells have been in production in the area for decades, Rifle's real natural gas boom began in the late 1990s. Energy companies from all over the world have come to Rifle to produce this plentiful and clean-burning resource. The industry has provided thousands of high-paying jobs to the area and promises to remain a substantial part of the local economy for years to come. Meanwhile, government agencies and citizens groups have worked hard alongside the industry to retain and protect many of the natural features of the area that attract so many tourists, outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurers.