TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A group responsible for managing Oklahoma's floodplains says bills moving through the Legislature that prohibit cities from regulating oil and natural gas drilling operations could prevent the state from participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Tulsa World reports that the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association has sent a letter to lawmakers warning that the local control legislation might prevent flood insurance policies from being written and renewed.
The bills would limit the ability of local governments to regulate drilling issues including setbacks, noise, odor and dust. They would also prohibit local governments from banning drilling.
The National Flood Insurance Program requires participating communities to adopt and enforce an ordinance that reduces the risk of flooding in the 100-year floodplain. In return, the federal government provides subsidized flood insurance.