North Dakota Adopts Rules Aimed at Oil Industry Spill Reduction

North Dakota regulators have adopted new rules aimed at reducing spills by the oil industry.

The state Industrial Commission approved rules that included bonding and increased inspections on pipelines. Another new rule requires berms to be built around a well site to keep spills from spreading.

North Dakota oil companies have opposed the rules. They say adding more rules adds costs to companies that already are dealing with depressed crude prices.

The rules must still pass before the Legislature’s Administrative Rules Committee, which has the power to block, change or delay new regulations.

Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms says public hearings on rules were done in several cities in April. He says October is the earliest the rules could be in place.

Topics Energy Oil Gas