OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday said changes in regulatory policies governing disposal wells will not have an immediate impact on the number of earthquakes in the state.
“I think it is important for the people of Oklahoma to understand that just because there is a change in regulatory policy doesn’t mean you are going to see an action next week or one month or two months or six months,” Fallin said. “It could be a year until we see a measurable difference. We are trying to figure out day by day what is the best thing to do.”
She was complimentary of actions taken by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which required some disposal well operators to reduce volume and the depth of waste-water injections. Disposal wells have been tied to the increased number of earthquakes.
Tim Baker, a staff member of the Corporation Commission, said the agency could go through the legal process to seek a moratorium on disposal wells, but it could be drawn out. The agency has had good cooperation from the industry and hopes to continue to use administrative remedies, he said.
Fallin’s comments came after a meeting of the Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity, a panel she created about a year ago that includes agency officials, members of the industry and academia.
The panel’s meetings are not required to be open to the public because it is advisory and does not make policy, Fallin said.
Fallin said crafting a response to the increased number of earthquakes requires balancing the interests of homeowners, business owners and the industry, which is responsible for a significant number of jobs in the state.
Fallin was asked what advice she would give to homeowners who are affected by earthquakes.
“I would advise Oklahomans that they should call their insurance agent and see what types of products are available,” Fallin said.
Angela Spotts, co-founder of Stop Fracking Payne County, said many insurance policies have high deductibles and cover only catastrophic damage. Spotts attended the press conference following the panel’s meeting.
Fallin was asked if the state has acted aggressively and done everything in its power to get on top of the situation, which has many residents on edge.
“We are sure trying to,” she said.
She said she believed the state has made tremendous progress in the past year.
Spotts disagreed.
“It really appears to me we are protecting the industry in this state,” Spotts said. “Their jobs are important. But my home and all the people I speak for that don’t have the courage to stand up and speak out, our lives, homes, property and well-being is every bit as important as the jobs in the oil and gas industry.
“And I sincerely don’t believe the actions have been quick enough and fast enough and protecting from one of the big ones from happening.
