On Friday, the Obama administration announced new rules on hydraulic fracking.
The rules were issued by the Interior Department and they include new standards for the construction of wells and the disposal of waste water due to fracking on federal land.Interior Secretary, Sally Jewell issued a statement that said:
Current federal well-drilling regulations are more than 30 years old and they simply have not kept pace with the technical complexities of today’s hydraulic fracturing process. This updated and strengthened rule provides a framework of safeguards and disclosure protocols that will allow for the continued responsible development of our federal oil and gas resources.
Do you think the 2nd Amendment will be destroyed by the Biden Administration?(2)
As a little background, fracking is the process of injecting water and chemicals into the earth to open access to natural gas underground. It has been highly controversial because it is perceived to be dangerous to the environment. Opponents say the chemicals used in fracking ends up in drinking water and pollutes it. They also say the practice could cause earthquakes.
Whereas supporters point out the process has driven U.S. energy production to new highs, it is reducing U.S.’s dependency on foreign energy sources and creating jobs.
The new rule is opposed by energy groups because they say it will hamper the energy boom that Obama himself has taken claim for in his speeches. Anti fracking groups in turn say the rules do not go far enough and some even want fracking to be banned in its entirety.
