Another Meeting, Another Timeline

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Mining and Energy Commission rolls out third potential timeline for draft fracking regulations

Environment North Carolina

Raleigh, NC- The Mining and Energy Commission met today to discuss the rules for the controversial drilling practice known as fracking should the technique be allowed in North Carolina. At the meeting, the commission rolled out another new timeline for completing the rules for fracking.

“Our leaders have been trying to fast track fracking in the state since the moment they smelled gas,” said Liz Kazal, field associate with Environment North Carolina. “This is the third time they’ve changed the timeline. They can take a few more months, or a few more years, that still won’t change the fact that fracking still pollutes drinking water and puts our environment at risk.”

After several potential agendas for the meeting were circulated, the two regulations discussed were site infrastructure and construction standards, as well as, operational and production requirements for oil and gas wells.

Additionally, Chairman Womack released yet another timeline for completing the draft rules, the third change to the timeline since January. With public hearings now set for August of 2014, there was much discussion on how to best conduct the hearings given the large anticipated public turnout.

“Our leaders are risking our clean water by trying to frack in our state, and the people of North Carolina will let their voices be heard come August,” said Kazal. “The only safe bet for our waters and our health is to keep fracking out of North Carolina.”

The Mining and Energy Commission is now expected to complete and propose the full rules for the fracking industry to the General Assembly by October 2014.

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Environment North Carolina is a statewide, citizen-based, environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting clean air, clean water, and open spaces.