The Energy and Minerals Field Institute (EMFI), founded in 1978, designs and conducts programs to familiarize selected audiences with the realities of resource development in the Western United States.

The Institute conducts field programs that take participants to energy and mineral production sites, processing facilities, impacted communities, and related resource developments.

Participants include policymakers from key Federal and State governments, organizations, agencies, committees, and their offices.

The Institute also conducts regional conferences and workshops on topical issues related to Western resource development. Since its inception, the EMFI has conducted field programs in 11 Western states plus Mexico, visited literally hundreds of sites, and hosted over 900 individuals on its annual field programs.