Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline gather Nov. 1, 2023, in Bismarck ahead of a public meeting on an environmental impact statement. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe opposes the pipeline, citing concerns for its water supply. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)
Two years ago, nearly $200 million was bid by drillers for the right to seek oil and gas on state lands, mostly using the controversial technique known as “fracking.” So far, though, less than 30 such fracking drilling permits have been issued by Michigan regulators. Why so few? Fracking’s success elsewhere appears to be putting the clamps on the drilling here.