CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — More than 100 operators, landowners, and lawmakers packed the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s public meeting on a proposed drilling application rule change.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that nearly 150 others joined Tuesday’s public meeting in Casper by phone.

The proposed rule would prevent a developer from controlling untapped land indefinitely by allowing others the opportunity to challenge inactive permits.

Commission Supervisor Mark Watson proposed the new rule to create opportunities to challenge operators that aren’t drilling on their permitted areas.

Under the proposal, if an operator wins a permit but fails to drill within the two-year period, other developers can file a challenge within 15 days of a notice.

The public comment period for the proposed new rule runs until Sept. 14.

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