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Another step ahead for fracking regulatory bill

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Illinois

* The House Executive Committee met in Room 114 today, which is large, but cannot possibly hold a “massive” number of people. Just sayin…

A bill to allow, but regulate, horizontal hydraulic fracturing in Illinois sailed through a House committee Tuesday morning in a unanimous vote amid chants of “shame” from a massive opposition group of activists and residents who packed the hearing.

Some videos are here.

The bill passed the committee 11-0.

It now moves to the floor, where passage is expected.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 11:42 am

Comments

I understand the environmental concerns, but there’s always risk in energy extraction. It’s not like digging holes in the ground, blowing off the tops of hills or running nuclear reactors is danger-free. Until we’re all moving around in solar powered jet packs, risk and regulation are necessary.

The United States is set to get into the natural gas export business in a big way. Last week, the Obama Administration approved a $10 billion terminal in Texas for the shipment of liquified natural gas.

A lot of folks need the jobs. You gotta dip your bread when the gravy’s hot.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 11:49 am
I wonder how that “massive opposition group” got to the meeing? What did they wear? What do they live in?

Most of us live in a modern society. That means we rely on a steady reliable source of energy, that covers the complex needs of a global industrial network that supplies our needs.

Or you could live in a dirt hut, down by the river. Just don’t make a fire, it causes pollution.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:04 pm
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Until we’re all moving around in solar powered jet packs, risk and regulation are necessary.
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agreed. we have to agree that there will be risks. Hell, building cars, the bridges, creating the nation was all risky. we can minimize but cannot eliminate it unless we go back to living in huts and using hand tools. Then you have different risks (the risk of starvation)

there is to much upside not to get into this business.

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Until we’re all moving around in solar powered jet packs, risk and regulation are necessary.
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even then I think someone will regulate my solar powered jet pack/Jetson’s car.

Comment by RonOglesby Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:05 pm
we need a balance for economic development that protects the environment. This does that. Responsible extraction is safe.

Comment by archimedes Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:13 pm
These folks are absolutists. The guy who did that anti-fracking movie, Josh Fox, is basically against fracking completely. In their mind, there is NO safe way to frack. There is no way to negotiate with them. The industry is fine with this bill - pass it. PQ, sign it, please. Let’s get some folks in Illinois back to work.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:20 pm
Hey Rich,
I thought you told me, two weeks ago, that all the fracking stuff was settled at the state level.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:38 pm
===that all the fracking stuff was settled at the state level. ===

There was a bump. Now it’s settled again. Subscribe, dude.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:39 pm
Ah, but I was chastised when I mentioned that oil firms were hesitant to move forward because the state couldn’t make up its mind. I was told it was all settled.

Just saying.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:58 pm
How long will we need to wait before the floor vote and final passage?

Comment by JoeVerdeal Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 12:59 pm
You were wrong. Simple as that.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 1:04 pm
As a proponent of the bill I don’t feel good about the fact that those absolutists are probably going to be proven right.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 1:11 pm
The moratorium simply can’t pass, so having regulation of the process is the next best option. There is some evidence that the practice is already happening in the southern part of the state. No regulation, and no moratorium, means no oversight and no protections. This bill needs to pass and be signed.

Comment by Former Downstater Tuesday, May 21, 13 @ 5:44 pm