Corn

The North Dakota Industrial Commission on Monday delayed for further study a decision on a $1.1 million state grant for a pilot project to turn flared natural gas in the Bakken Shale into fertilizer for the state’s farming industry. The three-member commission of elected officials, including the governor, wants more study of the project’s feasibility.

After much promise but little action, the area of the Niobrara Shale play extending into southeast Wyoming has energy stakeholders in that state scratching their heads. The prospect of more seismic testing has at least one high-level state official encouraged.