Did anybody ever wonder why the oil activity is so steady and increasing so much in the Bakken of North Dakota....Number one reason...The land is privately owned and the democrats like Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and many more enviromental extemists can't stop it.

The Western area of Montana has been shut down to logging and mining, Alaska, the East coast, the west coast and most of the gulf. They all have huge amounts of oil but the federal government owns those mineral rights.

When will this country get off its ass and start helping our own country?

Probably when all the boomers and the "Greatest Generation" finally die.

[This message has been edited by Bridgier (1/28/2012)]

Um, the oil is in North Dakota. That's why they drill there.

BLT has point. There aren't the split estate issues to deal with in ND as opposed to other places.

Amorette,

You missed the whole point...The oil is on private land, not the governments.

They don't need permission and 10 years of studies, enviromental impact studies, and all the other liberal green bull poop our country does on federal land.

First step kick Obama out of the white house and get a positive person who can wean our country off of foreign oil, open areas to mining, allow a refinery to be built. Make manufacturing feasible again. Quit the wind farms for electricity, also not real feasible
List goes on

For the first time since 1949, the United States is a NET EXPORTER OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

http://www.usatoday.com/m...52053236/1

As with the present democrats that are in office!

Amorette is also correct. The current Bakken boom is driven by both the spot price of oil and the recent development of two primary technologies, i.e. horizontal drilling and shale oil fracturing, working in tandem. Prior to that, oil & gas had been mined since the drilling of the Iverson Discovery Well south of Tioga in 1951. The Amerada-Hess (now "Hess") Corporation developed a large pipeline infrastructure under Williams & Mountrail Counties, a natural gas processing plant in Tioga, and a major branch operations office in Williston since shortly after that discovery.

It wasn't until these technologies were introduced and currencies fluctuated following the Great Recession that expansion into Montana became feasible. Private ownership of real estate has very little to do with it and split estate is just as alive and well in ND as it is in MT. Landmen have been working mineral rights in the Williston Basin since oil was first discovered there.

BLT - Have you failed to notice that this boom is happening under Obama's watch?

Joe. You give Obama credit for the oil??? You are so wrong. Who single handedly droped oil from $150 a bbl to $35 a barrel in less than 3 months? Obama. He is worthless and doesn't put this country first!! He doesn't care about the USA!!!

Oy.

You really think the US president controls oil prices with the wave of his hand? Then again, you probably believe Obama is a foreigner and Newt Gingrich will never sin again.

Oil prices is so complicated beyond a sitting US president that it would take a college course to explain. And falling oil prices due to world economic problems does not mean a man who worked hard enough to be elected president "doesn't care" about the US.

Stick to actual arguments. Where is oil located? Can be drilled profitably? Is there a market for that type of oil? Those are what count. For example, oil is high right now. Does that mean the president loves the US this week?

Oy, again.

Let me try this again... Part of the cost of production are the environmental surveys that need to be conducted. In a split estate situation where the minerals are federal and the surface is private, NEPA analysis is usually required and a federal drilling plan developed. When both the minerals and surface are privately held there is a significant reduction in the scope and intensity of environmental requirements.

Nearly all of the drilling companies that were in Gillette 18 months ago have moved to ND. The main reason for this was that they could be drilling rather than waiting for the small drilling window when there are no wildlife stipulations as required by the BLM. The methane companies that remain are having a difficult time finding drillers for new wells.

So part of the reason that the Bakken has grown is, as Amorette said, the fact that's where the oil is located. However, the explosive nature of that growth is in large measure a result of there being minimal environmental regulation, due to the private ownership.

That said, I believe that very shortly ND will come to regret that there are not more environmental regulations in place. I believe that the impacts to the environment need to be more aggressively regulated. ND would be better served long-term if they would require more through environmental assessments on private surface.

"First step kick Obama out of the white house and get a positive person who can wean our country off of foreign oil."

Among the GOP? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

No one will be able to stop the drilling in Montana, ND, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsyslvania etc as the land and leases are in private hands. The governors in these states see the revenue potential all will not allow it to be shut down. Some sensible controls will be put in place and that is about it much to the chargin of the "greenies". The natural gas and oil now available because of "frac" techniques will allow us to bridge the next 100 years to more renewal energy sources. All energy resources have their drawbacks it it a matter of how do you want to live. I was reading an article sometime ago where some archaeologists were excavating a cave and found a lot of human bones and were having a problem figuring out why until they took a step back and observed that the roof of the cave had fallen crushing the occupants.

[deleted]

You probably think he's curbed gun rights too.

I sincerly hope that was a extremely unfortunate attempt at humor and not an actual relection of your intellect. (@ Chris Sirchia)

[This message has been edited by Sandy Kiltie-Losing (1/29/2012)]

Probably not, Sandy. Chris is also the one who, not once but twice, posted the joke about I-90 being closed so they could move a giant lump of coal in and carve a new presidential face on Mt. Rushmore. (That joke wound up in "purgatory".)

Chris is also the person that implied Albertson's "don't seem to learn" because s/he bought bad chicken there... twice:

Chris Sirchia wrote:

Well, they don't seem to learn. Another package of bad chicken breast from Albertsons!!!!

Ummm, it's not Albertson's that has the learning problem.

Webmaster, I respectfully request that you remove the comment from Chris. I'd remove Chris, as well.

Well, Chris may be a flaming bunghole....but you really can't blame him, its his sauce that sets his rectum on fire....



....or is it the Elton John posters in his bedroom?

Hmmmm.

Guess we'll never know.

@Chris Sirchia - There's no place for racist remarks on this site. Please do not do it again.

I read last week we only import 20% of our oil from the Middle East, namely Saudi Arabia (who we just got done selling a bunch of F-15s and an accessory kit that would make GI JOE giddy), Iraq (who we just...well...you know), and Kuwait.

We get more oil from Canada than the Middle East.

We all know that Canada is a socialist state. So really it is a much larger issue to free ourselves from those Commie loving northerners?

There's another reason for the amount of drilling in North Dakota at this time...expiring leases. Many of them were signed 3 to 5 years ago and are going to have to be renewed if the companies want to keep them. But if there has been no drilling, the terms will have to be renegotiated and the price per acre for mineral leases has increased substantially in the past few years.

The leasing activity has been going hot & heavy in my part of eastern Montana (Sheridan County) for the past year and while there's been some drilling activity, we will probably see a big push in a few years for the same reason.

At least that's what I've been told by some who are in the oil & minerals business.

That's what I've heard as well, Mr. Golterman.

The 3 year leases are driving the drilling in NoDak. But, I hear that 2 or 3 rigs a month are moving to Montana - which should translate into a 20 or 30 wells per year increase, as the months tick by. Make no mistake, the boom is coming very fast to Montana.

A bit off topic, but I am drinking a Bakken Bock Dark Doppelbock right now. It just hit the shelves over here this week, and it's not too bad!! It's selling really well....I got the last 6 pack tonight after the 3rd re-stock.....

ROUNDUPWEB: Bakken Bock On Tap For Bakken Brew Fest

Perhaps our local Buy Montana store can a case of this.

I bought a six pack at Reynolds in Glendive. (I know Glendive sucks.) But Reynolds in Miles might have it or can get it.

There are a lot of bystanders that make comments regarding something that they know very little about. You portray yourselves as knowing so much about the Bakken Formation and ND drilling. What you "know" comes from what you've read in articles which covers very little of what really is going on. You repeat what you see and hear from others who know very little. Maybe you should talk to the people that are actually physically working there and that have been there for the past 8-10 years. We have many locals here that could explain it and it wouldn't be hearsay. If you don't know first-hand please don't portray yourself like you do. There are several people in this forum that do exactly that.

Perhaps instead of lecturing us you could post some of that actual information that you seem to think that we could benefit from?

Well said, Levi. I thought the very same thing. I would have worked the word "omniscient" in the the conversation, but well said anyway.

I believe Bob L.

Really guys. I guarantee I know a whole lot more than you do since my husband has been in the oilfield for 10 years. At least I don't act as though I am the almighty know it all as many of you who do nothing but put people down and negatively speak about so many things. I believe I said that you should ask some of the locals that are actually in the business to explain it to you.

Oh Wait! that means that you would actually be getting the facts and the truth and have to listen to someone who actually knows how things really are. I'm sure you wouldn't want that because it might actually be a reality check for many of you.

There are 100's of people in Miles City that are tied to the business in the oilfield and they don't all work at Sanjel. Most of you wouldn't willingly and openly listen to how it is even if someone stood in front of you and told you. You are so damn set in your own beliefs that you have blinders on to the truth and facts of the business. You only hear and see what you want, not how it really is. In my opinion --- that's part of the problem with some of the people here in MC and on this forum. The rest of us get sick of your negativity and sarcasm. There's a few of you who open your mouths when you should keep them shut because you are the ones that ruin the true and open conversations. Once again though that's because you think that everyone gives a damn about what you think or maybe you have nothing better to do. Maybe you can rip this post apart because that's what 4 or 5 of you do to most people that post on MC.com. You claim it's a sense of humor. We claim it's ignorance & sarcasm. Get over it and find something more productive to do with your life.

[This message has been edited by Julie H (2/15/2012)]

So, what are our misconceptions? What are we getting wrong? Ranting about how wrong we are without telling us what is correct is a waste of time. If we have it wrong, tell us what is right. And be specific.

The oil fields will attract pimps, drug dealers, and murderers.

Discuss.

Thank you Julie H for enlightening us on all the misconceptions
you have accused some people here having.

I didn't accuse anyone of misconceptions. Just don't repeat things that you don't know for sure. Get the facts first. Be open minded to hearing the truth instead of just the negatives because I haven't heard anyone talk about the positives. Think what you want nobody will change that. Thank you though for letting me know that I was wrong for posting that people should get the facts and the truth, talk to the locals that are involved if you want to know more and don't believe everything you read because it's usually only the negatives or it's sugar-coated. I apologize for having my eyes open and seeing both sides, not seeing only the one side that everyone else thinks is true because it's all their ever hear. I apologize....I was wrong.

[This message has been edited by Julie H (2/15/2012)]

So, what are the facts? What are the truths? What are the misconceptions? Unless you tell me what you are talking about, I have no clue. Just give one specific example of something that you see is wrong and tell us what is right.

I really have NO idea what you are talking about because you keep neglecting to tell me what you are talking about.

Julie,

I don't think anyone is looking for misinformation or trying to propagate such. Everybody wants to know what's going on. These people you refer to...I guess I haven't run into them. Do they wear badges or anything? Can I just stand outside Walmart and question people who look dirty? You say you know more than the rest of us, but are apparently unwilling to give up even a tiny morsel of this knowledge despite typing several hundred words. Maybe everyone that knows about the oilfields is like you and that is our problem.

I think I have it. "Julie H" is upset about the Bakken Bock and the fact that it's brewed and bottled in Missoula which is a world away from Williston and "the Bakken". I agree, "Julie H", it is very misleading to call a Missoula beer a Bakken beer. Perhaps the Beaver Creek guys in Wibaux should be the ones brewing the Bakken beer.

The Bakken Brew Fest, presented by the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, offers residents a good time for a good cause March 10.

The event, to be held at the Richland County Fair Event Center, will feature micro beer tasting, great appetizers and music from the Bozeman-based band The Clintons.

"The Chamber is organizing the event, but one of our goals is to give back to our area," Cami Skinner, Chamber president and one of the organizers, said.

This year, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Sherry Arnold Scholarship Fund. In future years, organizers will take applications and donate to other worthwhile efforts.

Tickets cost $50 and are available at the Sidney Chamber office. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age for the Brew Fest that runs from 7-11 p.m.

"We expect tickets to go quickly. The response so far has been phenomenal," Skinner said.

Samples of beer will come from breweries including Bayern Brewing of Missoula, Big Sky Brewing of Missoula, Madison River Brewing of Belgrade, Beaver Creek Brewery of Wibaux and Red Lodge Ales Brewing of Red Lodge, plus many more.

Offerings will include Bakken Bock, which Blue Rock's Randy Olson, Sidney, was instrumental in developing.

"We encourage everybody to have a good time, but of course be responsible," Skinner said.

The food will include brats and chicken wings along with other snacks.

I think that pretty much says that the Bakken freakin' rocks!!!

Julie H: my comments are information I received from the Administrator of the Montana Board of Oil and Gas, Tom Richmond, at one of the annual statewide Montana Economic Outlook Forums. That goodenoughforya?

[This message has been edited by Julie H (2/15/2012)]

I just stand outside Walmart and question people who look dirty?

Yes.

Julie is almost exciting as Ashley!!!!!

My husband has worked in the "oil feilds" for 10 years. He does not look dirty and would be offended that you thought so. What I have seen from his work is that we don't know anything. The job is always changing. However I also have seen a differance in pay checks as we move thru presidents. I will vote what I think is right but my pocket book would vote repbulican cause we make more under the GOP

Explain to us, Becky, what you believe would cause your paychecks to thrive under Republican leadership, but suffer under Democratic.

I have just seen this, I don't know why. I just see it on payday.

As an employee, is he being paid the same hourly wage?

Do you find it unsettling that you will make a voting decision based on something you admittedly do not understand?

[This message has been edited by Mary B. (2/16/2012)]

So you've got... 2 data points? I'm no statistician (although I sometimes play one at work), but that sample size seems low to draw any reliable conclusions.

However I also have seen a differance in pay checks as we move thru presidents. I will vote what I think is right but my pocket book would vote repbulican cause we make more under the GOP

So this statement implies that when Obama became president in January 2009, your husband, who works in the oil patch, took a pay cut.

Very interesting.

I'm not asking you to divulge his salary....but, please tell us what percentage of his pay was cut, from his historic high earnings in the 2000s to what the poor, poor oilfield workers now make in the 2010s???

However I also have seen a differance in pay checks as we move thru presidents.

Well, if the first time he was paid with 4 "Lincolns" and the next time he was paid with 25 "Washingtons" then I guess you would see a difference as you move through presidents.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (2/16/2012)]

The Billings Gazette: Bakken development straining local governments
By CLAIR JOHNSON The Billings Gazette
Thursday, February 16, 2012 4:00 pm

"Local government officials from Eastern Montana gave county commissioners from across the state on Thursday the downside of the effects of the Bakken oil development: inadequate water and wastewater treatment systems, beat-up gravel roads, scarce housing and strapped services.

While the officials welcomed the oil and gas boom under way in North Dakota and development in Eastern Montana, they said local governments are straining to make crucial infrastructure and service improvements to handle the growth.

. . .

Rapid growth is overwhelming county planning and health departments, which typically are a single individual without administrative support staff, Rosendale said.

And when there is drilling locally, counties won't get their share of state production tax revenue right away because there is an 18-month tax holiday before companies start paying, officials said. Counties and schools get a portion of the state production tax.

Dawson County Commissioner Adam Gartner said his county is getting the impact of people moving in 'but no revenue.'

. . ."

MORE HERE:

[b]The Billings Gazette: Bakken development straining local governments