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BISMARCK, N.D. — Federal geologists agreed Monday to reevaluate the amount of recoverable crude oil in North Dakota, U.S. Senator John Hoeven said.

Hoeven and industry officials requested the new assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey, saying it would likely attract investment by showing stronger production potential.

USGS Deputy Director William Werkheiser notified Hoeven by letter on Monday.

Industry officials and Hoeven want the USGS to take into account 17 other formations in western North Dakota's oil patch that could be exploited using technology developed for the Bakken and the Three Forks directly beneath it.

Werkheiser's letter said the agency would do that but gave no details on when the assessment would start, or when it would be completed.

He said the federal agency would work with "appropriate state and local officials and technical experts to ensure we develop the best possible product in a timely manner."

Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, which represents nearly 500 energy companies working in the state, said the new assessment should "provide a much clearer picture of the resources we have in North Dakota."