Montana

The graphs on the left show the rate of growth compared to the earliest year for which we have data -- in most cases 2003. The gray lines represent a theoretical constant annual rate of change. The bar charts on the right show the actual values for each year we have data. For example, in 2011, Montana had 176 new wells drilled.

Notes: Data are for the calendar year. The numbers of wells drilled from 2009 through 2011 represent well completions. Enforcement actions were computed by taking the failure number for enforcement actions less the number for compliance verification to lessen the likelihood of over-reporting. Enforcement staff only includes inspectors, though other employees' responsibilities may include some component of enforcement. Budget numbers are for the Oil and Gas Conservation Division and come from budget reports on the state's Office of Budget and Program Planning website. Total wells for 2011 were supplied by Montana. For 2010, the data come from the state's Board of Oil and Gas annual review and represent the total producing oil and gas wells, including state, private, Indian and federal wells.

BLM Data

In Montana, much of the oil and gas drilling takes place on land that is federally regulated, which can include national parks or Native American reservations. Data provided by the Bureau of Land Management represents wells drilled on that land.

Notes: Data are for federal and Indian wells in Montana and the Dakotas for the fiscal year. Wells drilled are wells spud, or started. Enforcement staff includes those who have other duties in addition to inspection and enforcement. The budget for the oil and gas program has not been provided. For total wells, the division provided "snapshot" data as of Oct. 1 for the fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Total wells are defined as "usable" wells.