LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A proposed wastewater dumping site in western Nebraska is prompting lawmakers to take a new look at the state’s oil and natural gas regulations, which opponents say are too lax.

The Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee will meet in Sidney on Sept. 22 to hear comments about a little-known state commission that approved a controversial disposal well requested by a Colorado energy company.

Sens. John Stinner of Gering and Ken Haar of Malcolm have both launched research studies to examine the state’s regulations and the role of the Nebraska Oil and Conservation Commission. Haar says he’s concerned that the commission is both a regulator and industry cheerleader.

Commission Executive Director Bill Sydow says the agency is independent, and all of its decisions can be overturned by the courts.