Fines, hearings among lingering 'fracking' issues

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/energy/article/Fines-hearings-among-lingering-fracking-issues-5739688.php

Fines, hearings among lingering 'fracking' issues
By TAMMY WEBBER, Associated Press : September 7, 2014 : Updated: September 7, 2014 9:44am

CHICAGO (AP) — Environmentalists want to lift a cap on fines for violations, while industry officials want to limit who can ask for a public hearing as each side prepares for their last shot at changing proposed rules governing high-volume oil and gas drilling in Illinois.

As Illinois moves closer to allowing hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," within the state's borders, proponents and critics are poring over extensive rules developed by the state Department of Natural Resources to see if they address concerns or add any unexpected twists.

A law passed last year was seen as a national model of compromise on how to regulate the controversial practice, but both advocates and opponents since have been critical of the rule-making process. Industry officials have complained bitterly of what they consider the slow pace, warning that it could cost the state jobs.

Hydraulic fracturing — a drilling method that has become big business in states like Pennsylvania and North Dakota — uses a mixture of water, chemicals and sand to crack open rock formations thousands of feet underground to release trapped oil and gas. Opponents fear it will pollute and deplete groundwater or cause health problems. The industry insists the method is safe and will bring a badly needed economic boost to southern Illinois.