This document provides an overview of the history and development of oil production in the Bakken formation in North Dakota and Montana. It discusses how the first economical horizontal well was drilled in 1999, producing 196 barrels of oil per day. Production grew significantly over the following years due to improvements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques. The document also outlines the large volumes of oil estimated to be recoverable from the Bakken, compares its current production levels to other areas, and discusses both federal and state regulatory efforts and changes regarding emissions from the oil industry.