North Dakota tribe objects to new EPA rule that affects drilling

Tuesday, September 6, 2011  

The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota says the Environmental Protection Agency implemented a new rule without consulting tribes.

The EPA issued the rule on July 1. It went into effect on August 30 and it requires oil and gas companies to obtain a permit for every single new and existing well on the reservation.

"This lack of consultation (with tribes) and the loss of jobs and income is unacceptable for our tribe, especially when America is trying to create jobs," Chairman Tex Hall told The Minot Daily News.

The EPA consulted tribes, an official said, but the permit at issue -- known as a synthetic minor source -- wasn't discussed much. Tribes previously complained about the issue and were expecting the rule to be delayed by 36 months.

Get the Story:
Permit issue raises concerns on Fort Berthold (The Minot Daily News 9/6)