North Dakota starts natural gas capturing plans

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota oil companies must submit a gas capturing plan with their drilling permits beginning this month in an attempt to cut down the amount of natural gas that is burned off and wasted as a byproduct of oil production.

The state Industrial Commission, which regulates North Dakota’s oil and gas industry, in March unanimously endorsed the proposal, which was self-imposed by the industry. The plan must include detailed information about when a well is slated for completion, its location and anticipated production. The plan also must contain a signed affidavit to show that gas-gathering companies have been consulted so that they may plan to meet the demand.