The South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment is considering an application for an oil field near sacred Bear Butte.

The board previously approved a permit for Nakota Energy to develop 960 acres near the site. But the decision failed to comply with state law so it was reopened.

Tribal leaders told the board that the oil field will interfere with religious practices at Bear Butte. "There is a lot of land in South Dakota and there are areas much more suited to be exploited if that is the desire of the state," said Michael Jandreau, chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, the Associated Press reported.

The board will make a decision after its May 18 meeting.

Get the Story:
SD panel delays decision on Bear Butte oil field (AP 4/22)

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