On Friday the Senate sent House Bill 464 regarding natural gas and oil drilling to the amending order, according to the Idaho Statesman. The bill deals with regulations for natural gas exploration, well drilling and location of oil and gas sites. It has been the the subject of some fierce debate about local control versus state oversight.
Lt. Gov. Brad Little had to break a 17-17 tie to get the bill to the amending order.
In essence the bill deprives counties of the authority to pass rules or ordinances for companies looking to establish a gas or oil drilling presence within a county. The legislation as now crafted gives the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Committee final authority over gas and oil locations in the state.
