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Fracking Advisory Commission Finishes 3 Year Study

December 18th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

An advisory commission studying how to drill safely for natural gas in western Maryland wrapped up its three years of work last week- 0 with recommendations to proceed, but with strict oversight. The 17-member panel appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley proposed new state regulations and legislation to reduce risks of ground-water contamination, air pollution and other problems from hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," for gas. Industry officials have said the measures, if adopted, would be among the strictest in the nation. But some environmentalists contend the risks would still outweigh the economic benefits, and want to make what has been a de-facto ban permanent. Delegate Wendell Beitzel of Garrett County is an advocate of moving forward with drilling. He says he understands the need for regulations, but questions the strict nature of the ones proposed by the governors commission…





 

Commission member Delegate Heather Mizeur says she believes additional study is necessary, before allowing drilling- no matter how strict the proposed regulations may be…





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