Oklahoma oil regulators mull new restrictions after quake

PAWNEE, Okla. (AP) – State regulators in Oklahoma say they’re considering new restrictions on some oil and gas activity after a 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the northern part of the state Tuesday night.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission says its earthquake team is preparing a response following Tuesday night’s quake that hit Pawnee, the same area that was struck by a record-setting 5.8 magnitude earthquake two months ago.

Scientists have linked Oklahoma’s sharp increase in earthquakes to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production. Already, the corporation commission has shut down some disposal wells and ordered a reduction in the amount of wastewater disposed of in others.

The U.S. Geological Survey says Tuesday night’s quake was also felt in parts of Kansas and northern Missouri.