North Dakota Landowners Sue Fossil Fuel Companies Over Wasted Natural Gas

Nearly 30 percent of natural gas drilled in North Dakota is intentionally burned off, or flared, resulting in an approximately $1 billion loss, and releasing greenhouse gases equivalent to nearly one million new cars on the road.  Now, some North Dakota landowners are fighting back.

Mineral owners from multiple states are suing ten oil and gas companies for millions of dollars in lost royalties for flared natural gas.  They claim companies are burning off more gas than is allowed by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, disposing of valuable resources mineral owners should be getting paid for.

Flaring is better than simply releasing the natural gas into the air, but it still has serious climate and air quality impacts.  In 2012, natural gas flaring in North Dakota alone emitted 4.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, and may release a variety of air pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde, and over 60 more that have been detected downwind from flares.

North Dakota Landowners Sue Fossil Fuel Companies Over Wasted Natural Gas