Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Fracking Rules
In this April 30, 2013 file photo, a poster projecting job and economic growth related to "fracking" is used by lawmakers while answering questions from reporters concerning oil drilling in Illinois, at the state Capitol in Springfield. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)
An Illinois appeals court has upheld the state's rules for the high-volume oil and gas drilling technique known as fracking. The appellate court sided with a Madison County judge who rejected an environmental group's legal challenge.
The 5th District Appellate Court on Friday issued an opinion agreeing with a November ruling in favor of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' rules on hydraulic fracturing.
Seven landowners and the group Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment had sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the rules from being implemented.
Fracking generally uses a mixture of water, chemicals and sand to crack rock formations deep underground and release trapped oil and gas.
Opponents fear it can cause air and water pollution and health problems, but industry officials contend the method is safe.
Links
- Illinois Lawmakers Approve Fracking Rules
- Industry To Seek Changes In ‘Fracking’ Rules
- Fracking Industry Officials Donating To Rauner
- Business, Labor Leaders Urge Quinn Administration To Finish Fracking Rules
- Johnson County Voters Reject Fracking Ban
- DNR Wraps Up Public Forums On Fracking Rules
- DNR Opens Fracking Registration
- Gov. Quinn Signs Fracking Regulations Into Law
- Gov. Quinn Praises House-Approved Fracking Bill
- Ill. House Committee OKs Fracking Regulatory Bill
- House GOP Members Push for Fracking Vote