Oil, Gas Regulators Reject Petition on Well Rules

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming regulators have rejected a landowner group's petition for stricter rules on oil and gas operations, saying they're already reviewing the regulations on their own.

The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission voted Tuesday to turn down the Powder River Basin Resource Council petition.

The group sought greater distance requirements between residences and energy operations and new limits on flaring, the practice of burning natural gas at well sites.

The petition also asked that well operators pay higher bonds.

Health and noise concerns have been raised as oil and gas operations move closer to towns.

The Powder River Basin Resource Council says the petition pushed the commission to confront the issues. The group says it will seek restrictions on individual wells while the rules are reviewed.