Ameriwest Energy Corp. (OTCBB: AWEC) ("Ameriwest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce plans to commence drilling operations at its Geary Prospect location. The Company intends to spud the Ameriwest Fee #1 well on or near to March 16th, 2009, subject to certain conditions.

The proposed well is located in proximity to 2 wells located in the Geary Dome field with cumulative production to-date of 323,617 BO and 29,515 MCF gas. It is also located nearby to the Weststar Keenan Fee 14-34 well with cumulative production of 156,860 BO and also within 1/2 mile of the Weststar Keenan Fee 16-27 well with cumulative production figures of 166,757 BO to-date. The location is on fee (private lands) within the Area of Mutual Interest ("AMI") and as such, has significantly simplified the permitting process.

The Geary Prospect is located in the south-western portion of the highly productive Powder River Basin. The main objective is structurally well documented and on trend with existing production within the Cretaceous Dakota sandstone formation with the possibility of production from other Cretaceous sands including the Upper and Lower Muddy, and Wall Creek (Frontier) sands. Initial estimates based on a full field program with 40 acre spacing across an estimated 18 wells indicate possible reserves of approximately 3 MMBO.

Company President Walter Merschat comments, "We are extremely excited about drilling the Ameriwest Fee #1 well in such close proximity to known production. Upon a successful discovery, Ameriwest will immediately implement its proposed development plan which could include up to 17 additional wells."

About Ameriwest Energy Corp. (OTCBB: AWEC)

Ameriwest Energy Corp. is a growing, expertly managed energy company focused on producing underdeveloped oil resources in the prolific Rocky Mountain region of the United States. The company is striking a strategic balance between low-risk tertiary recovery projects and extensively mapped exploration plays with significant upside potential. Visit our website at www.ameriwestenergy.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, expectations, beliefs, plans and objectives regarding development and exploration activities. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ameriwest to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general economic and business conditions, the ability to acquire and develop specific projects, the ability to fund operations and changes in consumer and business consumption habits and other factors over which Ameriwest Energy Corp., or any affiliates, has little or no control. Risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in documents filed from time to time by Ameriwest with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no assurance that Ameriwest's expectations will be realized, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Information concerning oil reserve estimates may also be deemed to be forward looking statements, as it constitutes a prediction of what might be found to be present when and if a project is actually developed.

On Behalf of the Board
Ameriwest Energy Corp.
Walter R. Merschat, President

Investor Relations Contact Great Northwest Investor Relations, Inc. 1-888-697-4712 Visit our website at www.ameriwestenergy.com