Exploration and production activity in North Dakota continued testing new lows as the rig count dropped 7 percent from last week, state data show. State data show 38 rigs in active service as of Monday , three less from last week . The all-time low point is zero and the current rig count is 15 percent below the last record low of 45 reported in August 2009. Lower crude oil prices means less spending is available for energy companies to invest in exploration and production, the upstream side of the energy sector. Oil field services company Baker Hughes recorded 514 rigs in active service across the United States for the week ending Feb. 19, a 5 percent decline from the previous […]