Oil Drilling in Killdeer Mountains Causes Controversy

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — An alliance working to protect the environment and history of the Killdeer Mountains in western North Dakota's oil patch wants state regulators to reconsider how oil is being tapped there.

The Minot Daily News reports the Killdeer Mountain Alliance has asked members of the Industrial Commission to include the Killdeer Mountains on planned tours of culturally important sites.

Oil drilling in the Killdeer Mountains has sparked protests from ranchers and American Indians concerned about sacred or historic sites.

The alliance wants the Industrial Commission to delay any further oil drilling on public land on the west side of the mountains until considering its alternative drilling plan.

Governor spokesman Jeff Zent says commission members are open to looking at possible new approaches to drilling.