Dorgan: Fort Berthold "One-Stop Shop" Expanding Oil and Gas Exploration in Bakken

Press Release

An initiative pushed by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to open a "one-stop shop" and improve the review and approval of permits for oil and gas leases on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation has succeeded in boosting oil development on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

There are currently 17 oil wells being drilled on the reservation. Results show that from Feb. 2009 to Feb. 2010, the reservation went from only 10 producing wells to 39 producing wells. As a result of improved processing, almost $180 million has been paid to the Three Affiliated Tribes and its members for leases and royalties on oil and gas production.

"In a year's time the number of wells producing on Fort Berthold has quadrupled and drilling rig activity is at an all-time high - with much more energy development expected," Dorgan said. "The one-stop shop we have created is playing a significant role in cutting through the red tape that inhibited oil and gas exploration on the reservation. This is great news for the Three Affiliated Tribes, North Dakota and our nation as we work to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

In 2008, Dorgan approached the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior about opening a Fort Berthold oil and gas one-stop shop and increasing energy staff within the Bureau of Indian Affairs to expedite permit processing for development on the reservation. At that time, there were few staff in place and a bureaucratic 49-step process hindered exploration. At the urging of North Dakota's Congressional delegation, the Department of Interior agreed to open the office in February 2009. The office was instrumental in working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to expedite its 49-step review process.

"Oil and gas companies report that processing of permits and approvals is more consistent and reliable," Dorgan said. "With a more reliable process companies are investing more and more in development on the reservation."

The Fort Berthold Reservation sits on top of the Bakken Shale Oil Formation, the nation's most promising oil and gas field. It has estimated reserves of nearly four billion barrels of oil.

In April 2009, Dorgan hosted U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on a tour of the oil and gas one-stop shop.

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