UND played host to the North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil & Gas Division hearing Wednesday. The commission holds hearings several times a month and chose the Memorial Union on campus for the latest one.

According to its website, the commission serves to, “encourage and promote the development, production and utilization of oil and gas in the state in such a manner as will prevent waste, maximize economic recovery and fully protect the correlative rights of all owners”.

The hearing Nov. 13 dealt with two cases, both brought forward by QEP Energy Company who are looking to change the layout of the current Grail (Bakken Pool) Unit in McKenzie County, N.D. The hearing lasted most of the day with representatives from QEP, landowners, royalty owners and interested parties all present to gather information about the potential new units for drilling oil.