North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple today said he intends to nearly double in-state pipeline capacity within two years. Via Reuters, Dalrymple told attendees at a pipeline summit North Dakota is seeking to reduce the amount of natural gas flared in the state due to a lack of transportation infrastructure. About 30% of natural gas was flared in North Dakota in April. North Dakota currently has about 780,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of pipeline capacity.
Dalrymple said he would encourage companies to build more pipeline in the state through regulation and other means. A recent change in state law requires companies to submit detailed plans on how they will use natural gas released by new wells when they apply for drilling permits. The state is also working on other rules designed to minimize right-of-way disputes between companies and landowners.
