Wednesday, June 18, 2014

State Revises Fracking Rules While Environmental Groups Remain Skeptical

The State Department of Conservation today announced some revisions to the rules regulating oil and gas well stimulation. The state law regulating various techniques to enhance petroleum production such as hydraulic fracturing, acidizing and steam injection took effect at the beginning of 2014. The revisions are designed to take into account concerns over public safety and environmental health. The state received comments on the proposed rules from 150,000 citizens and organizations. The technology commonly referred to as ‘Fracking’ has generated controversy statewide as well as nationally. The state will issue the final version of the regulations beginning in 2015. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.