After Oklahoma issued regulatory actions to try to curb a rash of oil-industry-related earthquakes in the state, one oil and gas operator is challenging the ruling, reports StateImpact Oklahoma. The Marjo Operating Co. Inc.’s filing is the first effort on the part of the oil and gas industry to prevent regulation.
According to The Oklahoman’s Paul Monies,the September 18th filing alleges that the regulatory commission “acted arbitrarily in August when it directed the company to curtail injection at a disposal well that’s part of a de-watering project in Payne County.”
Marjo claims that following the regulations, which would involve reducing one well’s volume by 38 percent, would negatively affect production. EnergyWire’s Mike Soraghan notes that some advocates for regulation are concerned that the commission does not have the authority to encourage an end to the earthquakes, as the commission’s intended purpose was to curb pollution.
