http://www.pennenergy.com/index/petroleum/display/6693241510/articles/pennenergy/petroleum/exploration/2012/september/bakken-tops_600_000.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPetroSeptember182012

“The Bakken has been the single most important unconventional oil play in the U.S. in recent years, as output from the shale deposit has sent North Dakota skyrocketing into second-place among the oil-producing states in the country.

“In July, production from the shale play alone topped 600,000 barrels per day, reaching an all-time peak of 609,580 barrels per day. …

‘”It’s amazing how quickly production has grown, and it’s still in its early stages,” said Christian O’Neill, a Bloomberg Industries senior analyst for oil and gas. “Completion techniques are improving, and the time to drill wells is getting shorter and shorter. This is the beginning of an oil renaissance in North America.'”