North Dakota joins Wyoming in lawsuit challenging federal fracing rule

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has voted to join Wyoming in a lawsuit challenging a new rule issued by the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, which includes requirements for publicly disclosing chemicals using in hydraulic fracturing.

The rule pertains to onshore drilling on tribal and public lands (OGJ Online, Mar. 20, 2015). Wyoming was the first state that decided to file a lawsuit (OGJ Online, Mar. 27, 2015).

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple said he believes the latest federal regulations could “interfere with the work of the state’s water commission and health department.”

Atty. Gen. Wayne Stenehjem said North Dakota lawmakers previously approved $1 million for litigation on issues such as fracturing regulations.