Because oil was discovered in North Dakota in the early 1950s, oil and gas law in the state is relatively new and continues to evolve. As the courts interpret existing laws and new legislative statutes are enacted, revisions are made to Chapter 38 of North Dakota’s Century Code (Mining and Gas and Oil Production). “We… [More…]
Oil Wells & Water: The Demand Rises
As oil development continues to both enrich and challenge the state of North Dakota, providing access to water for both domestic and industrial use has become one of the most urgent issues that commands the attention of private enterprise as well as government entities. “The main challenge is just the water supply in general,” explains… [More…]
Production Sustainability: The Leaps and Bounds
Oil production in North Dakota’s Bakken and Three Forks Formations is at record highs and growing, but is it sustainable at current levels? For how long? “Our growth has been extremely rapid. Technology and price have come together with the geology,” said Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, a 60-year-old organization that… [More…]
Government Regulations: A Balancing Act
With a production of more than one-half million barrels of oil everyday, North Dakota’s robust oil and gas industry remains a prime target of interest for environmentalists as well as regulators at all levels. “The regulations just continue to pile up,” explains Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. “They have people whose… [More…]
Environmental Stewardship: And Reclamation
As the second largest oil producing state in the country with 209 drilling rigs pumping an average of 558,254 barrels a day, North Dakota continues to be the economic envy of many other states that are struggling with large budget deficits, high unemployment rates and negative growth rates. All eyes are on the Peace Garden… [More…]