Enhanced Oil Recovery | Video

Jennifer Joas | 9/24/2012

Geologists predict most Bakken oil wells will produce for the next 20 years. But that number could double with enhanced oil recovery efforts, including the use of carbon dioxide.

But there`s a sticking point. If companies start using enhanced oil recovery techniques, regulation could pass from the state to the EPA. The Industrial Commission is applying for primacy, which would allow the state to keep control during an enhanced oil recovery project.

"So we had the framework in place to do this in a way that the lignite industry, the oil industry and all of us agreed on the rules going forward. No other state has that framework in place. So we were really the logical choice. And then as we rose to number two in crude oil production it even seemed more logical," said Lynn Helms, Department of Mineral Resources Director.

North Dakota is the first state to make the request to the EPA.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY