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Drilling Order near interstates continues for 30 days

Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh has issued today a second continuance of a drilling ban imposed last November, prohibiting any new permits for wells to be drilled within a quarter of a mile of an interstate highway.

Commissioner Welsh said the task force created to study current drilling regulations and work on strengthening safety conditions at drilling sites will soon finalize its work. “The task force has been focusing on a certification process and on more frequent inspections but are not yet finished with its report and recommendations,” Welsh said.

The commissioner said that following this 30-day period, the next step will be to issue an emergency rule based on the group’s suggestions.  At the same time, permanent changes to the current regulations, known as Statewide Order 29-B, will move forward following procedures set forth in the rule-making process including public hearings.

Related documents:

• Emergency Compliance Notice: November 20, 2007
• Emergency Compliance: March 28, 2008
• Second Compliance Notice: May 29, 2008