Illinois Lawmakers Approve Fracking Rules
In this March 12, 2014 file photo, a sign near the Johnson County courthouse in Vienna, Ill., urges the county's voters to defeat a ballot referendum on the drilling practice called hydraulic fracturing or fracking. (AP Photo/Jim Suhr, File)
State lawmakers have signed off on rules regulating high-volume oil and gas drilling in Illinois at a legislative hearing.
The 12-member committee approved the rules during a hearing Thursday in Chicago. It has the last word on whether the rules for hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking,'' can take effect.
The committee has been grappling with how to ensure regulations are fair to the industry and protect the environment. Illinois passed legislation allowing fracking about a year and a half ago.
At the time, the legislation was seen as a model of compromise.
But pro-industry groups have since complained about delays in approving the rules. Some southern Illinois landowners are also suing the state for failing to implement fracking.
Officials say drillers can begin applying for permits in the coming months.
Links
- 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
- Fracking Bill HIts Amendment Snag
- Both Sides Agree on Tough New Fracking Standards