County rejects oil drilling request

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - County officials have rejected a Terre Haute property owner's request to start oil drilling that was opposed by many nearby residents.

The Vigo County commissioners voted 3-0 on Monday against giving permission for oil exploration on the 94-acre site just east of Terre Haute. They also instructed the county plan commission to adopt clear standards for oil drilling as numerous oil wells have gone into operation recently in the area.

Land owner Hunter von Leer tells the Tribune-Star ( http://bit.ly/HJGvQK ) he believes the commissioners' action will block future oil drilling in the county and that the decision wasn't based on facts.

Commissioner Judith Anderson says new rules are needed because oil wells have become prevalent in the county so quickly.