Sen. Toryanski moves to amend oil/gas bill for more local input in process

Sen. Mitch Toryanski, R-Boise, told the Senate he favors state control of natural resources. “We haven’t used our natural resources to our benefit. That’s why the economy of Canada is doing so well when we continue to  suffer.” But he read from the rules for oil and gas wells under “grounds for permit denial,” and said they only cover fees not being submitted, applications not complete, failure to post a bond, or that the proposed well will result in a waste of oil and gas, or the violation of correlative rights, or the pollution of fresh water supplies. “I don’t see a whole lot of room in there for the consideration of the sensibilities and the concerns of the local community,” he said. “While generally, I like this bill, specifically I think it can be improved in the area of public participation.”

So he moved to send the bill to the Senate’s 14th Order for amendment, “so that can be tightened up.” Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, seconded the motion.