BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ North Dakota's top oil regulator says the state could double its oil production by 2015 to more than 1 million barrels daily, putting it on par with Texas.
State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms says the increased production from about 575,000 barrels at present would depend on a strong worldwide economy, steady oil prices and a favorable federal regulatory climate.
North Dakota has gone from the nation's ninth-biggest oil producer in 2006 to Number 2 this year, trailing only Texas.
Helms says the jump in production in North Dakota and the resulting economic activity likely would push the state's population to more than 1 million residents.
