Central ND News

North Dakota, along with Montana, Texas, and Wyoming, has filed a lawsuit in North Dakota Federal District Court challenging a rule finalized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The rule establishes a new royalty on flared gas, institutes monthly limits on allowable flaring, and adds new application requirements for operators regarding their ability to capture natural gas before obtaining a drilling permit.

The states have now filed for a preliminary injunction to protect their interests until the court issues a decision in the case.

“Since the beginning, the Biden administration has attempted to drive up the cost of energy production while discouraging domestic production,” said Cramer. “This duplicative, punitive BLM regulation is a step backwards for American energy. I’m glad to see North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley request a preliminary injunction so our state’s interests are protected.”

In March, Senator Cramer issued a statement in response to BLM’s announcement of the final rule. When the lawsuit was filed in April, Senator Cramer applauded North Dakota’s leadership in the suit.