IN company pumped for local drilling

An Indiana-based oil company has announced plans to drill in three Tri-State locations. CountryMark runs a refinery in Mount Vernon, IN. Company officials tell 14 News the Illinois basin is rich in crude oil, and now instead of simply buying oil they want to become actively involved in drilling it themselves. Politicians say diminishing our dependence on foreign oil is the answer to lowering gas prices. While Friday's announcement won't necessarily lower prices directly, CountryMark says drilling at home instead of buying oil abroad will benefit everyone in the long run. "This is a step in the right direction," said CountryMark CEO Charlie Smith. "This is a part of what we can do to foster energy independence."

CountryMark delivers oil through a pipeline that runs through much of Indiana. Drilling oil will increase their supply.

Click here for Channel 14 News report.