Ill. passes nation's toughest fracking regulations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) ? Illinois lawmakers approved a measure Friday to create the nation's strictest regulations for high-volume oil and gas drilling, hoping to kick-start an industry that supporters say could generate thousands of jobs in economically depressed areas of southern Illinois.

The Senate passed the measure 52-3, one day after it was overwhelmingly approved in the House. Gov. Pat Quinn has promised to sign it.

The legislation was crafted with the help of industry and some environmental group ? an unusual collaboration that has been touted as a potential model for other states.

While proponents have said hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," would generate tens of thousands of jobs, opponents have been pushing for a two-year moratorium to allow more time to examine health and environmental impact. They are worried fracking could cause pollution and deplete water resources.

Fracking uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals are used to crack rock formations deep underground and release oil and natural gas.

Among the provisions in the proposed legislation are requirements that drillers publicly disclose the chemicals they use and that they test water before and after fracking. Companies also would be liable for any water pollution.

"These are tough regulations that are going to protect and preserve our most valuable resources in our state," sponsor Sen. Mike Frerichs, a Champaign Democrat, said on the floor. "This bill is a long time in coming."

Energy companies are eyeing the New Albany shale formation in southern Illinois, where they believe there are significant oil reserves 5,000 feet or more below the surface.

While the measure passed easily in both chambers, the road there wasn't easy. An amendment requiring energy companies to hire a state-licensed water well driller delayed the vote for more than a month before industry and unions reached a compromise that gives drillers a break on extraction taxes if at least half of their employees are from Illinois.

Two bills proposing a moratorium were offered, but neither gained traction.

Opponents also say the proposed regulatory legislation would leave Illinois communities with no control over the practice.

__

The bill is SB1715.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov

__

The bill is SB1715.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ill-passes-nations-toughest-fracking-regulations-013716732.html

oscar winners anne hathaway Castel Gandolfo Silver Linings Playbook daniel day lewis Life of Pi Christoph Waltz