Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes and regulates hydraulic fracking, effective July 1, 2016

Highlights:

• Authorizes an operator to inject fluids into a rock formation at high pressure to fracture the rock and improve the flow of oils and gases beneath the rock (Sec. 1).

• Requires a study covering the consequences of hydraulic fracking to be completed by June 30, 2017, including, but not limited to the following information (Sec. 8):
• The evaluation of underlying geologic features;
• The evaluation of potential risks and hazards to surface or groundwater from new wells and previously plugged wells; and
• The evaluation of potential and actual economic benefits.

• Prohibits any operation from utilizing hydraulic fracking until the results of the study are submitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives by June 30, 2017 (Sec. 8).

• Prohibits the development of any regulation for hydraulic fracking until the findings of the study are submitted to the Legislature (Sec. 8).

• Authorizes counties and municipalities to adopt and enforce zoning and land use requirements regarding oil and gas so long as it does not impose a moratorium, prohibit, or burden entities involved in oil and gas (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text