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Osage County Oil Producers Blame Study for Crippled Industry

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PAWHUSKA, Okla. (AP) — Osage County oil producers have expressed their frustration with an environmental survey that has brought well drilling to a standstill.

The Tulsa World reports that producers voiced their opinions at a meeting Monday that was held by the U.S Bureau of Indian Affairs. Oil drillers blame the bureau and its environmental policies for crippling the industry in the area.

In August, the bureau announced that it would conduct an environmental impact study, which would last until the end of 2015, on the entire county. To get a permit while the study is ongoing, producers must complete their own environmental assessments on individual well sites. Producers say that the extra cost of doing their own assessment is not viable at current oil prices.

There are no wells currently being drilled in the county.