STATEMENT – DRC Statement on NDIC Decision to Delay Gas Flaring Plan Ten Months

September 24, 2015

STATEMENT – DRC Statement on NDIC Decision to Delay Flaring Benchmarks Another 10 Months

MEDIA CONTACT:  Mandy Kubik mandy@drcinfo.com, 701-799-3494

BISMARCK, ND – Dakota Resource Council (DRC) Chair Linda Weiss of Belfield, released the following statement following today’s decision by the ND Industrial Commission (NDIC) to delay flaring benchmarks in North Dakota for another ten months, at the request of industry leaders and the Department of Mineral Resources Director, Lynn Helms.

“The Industrial Commission voted today to put North Dakota values behind the immediate wants of the oil and gas industry.  Frankly, it is embarrassing that North Dakota will remain so far behind the national average of 1% flared.  No progress was made today.  This decision will not increase the price of North Dakota oil.  This decision will not bring the rig count back up.  This decision will not create more jobs or prevent the layoffs that are already happening.  This decision will not put more money in state coffers or in the hands of mineral owners.  This decision does not fix the crumbling infrastructure and quality of life in western North Dakota.  To solve this immediate problem, the State of North Dakota should move to slow production until the needed infrastructure is built.  The oil industry created this harmful practice and it is the constitutional duty of Governor Dalrymple, Attorney General Stenehjem, and Agriculture Commissioner Goehring to protect the people of North Dakota from harm.  The burden of compliance is not on the landowner.  The burden of compliance is not on the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation.   The burden falls to industry to comply, and the burden falls to our elected officials to lead.”

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