BOISE – Idaho’s effective tax rate on natural gas and oil production is less than half the average when compared to eight other producing states.

A tax-comparison study released Thursday at the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission meeting found Idaho’s rate at 4 percent compared to the 9.5 percent average of the eight other states.

The only state with a lower rate than Idaho is Oklahoma at 3.2 percent. Wyoming has the highest rate at 13.4 percent.

County commissioners and state lawmakers in southwest Idaho where natural gas production is taking place or is likely to occur asked for the $37,000 study carried out by a North Dakota consulting company.

The consulting company says it made the comparisons based on severance, production and property taxes.