NFIB members are encouraged to submit comments on hydraulic fracking to the Maryland Department of the Environment. Comments are being accepted now through February 9, 2015. CLICK HERE to take action.
Background: The Secretary of the Environment proposed to repeal existing fracking regulations and adopt new regulations. You can find the full text of the changes here:
These newly proposed regulations are “at least as protective, and in some cases more protective, than those in place currently in other states”.
Tough regulations and multiple studies have delayed fracking in the state for years, while neighboring states; West Virginia and Pennsylvania, have reaped the benefits. On his way out the door Governor Martin O’Malley said that he will allow drilling for natural gas in Western Maryland, but only if energy companies adhere to some of the most restrictive public health and environmental safeguards in the country.
Governor Larry Hogan has the authority to modify O’Malley’s proposed regulations and has said that he will permit fracking and “wants to make sure fracking is done in a safe way”.
Please contact the Maryland Department of the Environment
by clicking here to show your support for fracking and concerns with these overly
restrictive regulations.