© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mason residents debate proposed oil drilling

Scott Pohl/WKAR

There’s no shortage of talk in Michigan about renewable energy sources. But despite all our efforts to go green, our state is still very dependent on fossil fuels. Recently, a Traverse City-based oil and gas company has been looking at an area in and around the city of Mason as a possible drilling site.West Bay Exploration already operates two petroleum wells in Ingham County, both near Leslie. Now, the company is talking about subsurface lease rights with some Mason residents, and about half have already said yes. Others are still weighing their options.

Current State talks about West Bay's efforts to obtain lease rights in the Mason area with Democrat Tom Cochran, who represents Mason in the Michigan House of Representatives, and Dr. Jack Carmichael, a Mason resident who’s thinking the issue over.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.