Eliminating Flaring Extensions | Video

Jennifer Joas | 2/7/2013

Mineral owners, oil companies and state officials all say they want natural gas flaring to decrease in the Bakken. But they disagree on how long companies should be able to flare. The Senate Natural Resources committee is looking at a bill that would cap flaring after one year, and take away the Industrial Commission`s ability to extend the flaring period.

An amendment was suggested at today`s hearing that would require companies cap flaring after only 60 days, and review any exemption decisions.

"We should have the industrial commission come back, review those decisions sometime. I don`t want to dampen the oil activity. But I also think that it`s time for us to at least look at how we do business in that regard," said Robert Harms, who testified at the hearing.

Opponents of the bill argue companies need more time to get wells connected to pipelines, and the Industrial Commission should still have the power to review flaring on a case to case basis.

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