Massachusetts moves toward fracking ban

[xchrom]

http://grist.org/news/massachusetts-moves-toward-fracking-ban/

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Legislation that would impose a 10-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing is making its way through the Massachusetts state legislature. On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture passed the bill, which would also prohibit the dumping of fracking wastewater in the state.

“Although the state isn’t seen as a rich source of shale gas, there could be limited deposits in western Massachusetts,” the Associated Press reports. As EcoWatch explains, “Local concern about fracking has grown since the U.S. Geological Survey identified shale gas deposits in the Pioneer Valley last December. Moreover, as New York mulls large-scale fracking next door, drilling operators could soon view Western Massachusetts as a convenient dumping ground for toxic fracking wastewater.”

If the full state legislature passes the bill and Gov. Deval Patrick (D) signs it, Massachusetts would become the second state in the nation to ban fracking. Vermont banned it last year, despite having negligible fracking potential.

Meanwhile, in states that actually have sizable shale deposits and active fracking operations, fracking bans are not faring well. Five Colorado cities have prohibited hydraulic fracturing, but all face legal challenges not just from industry but from the administration of Gov. John Hickenlooper (D). And in California, where scientists, celebs, activists, and policy wonks are all calling for a moratorium, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) still backs the growing fracking industry, despite his long legacy as a climate hawk and environmental champion.

[unhappycamper]

1. Good for us. n/t

[pipoman]

2. Sure are a lot of D's in there fighting to destroy

our ground water...further proof there is but one party in this nation...corporatist..time for some real change..

[Champion Jack]

3. +!