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Fracking Gets Go Ahead From O’Malley; Mizeur Urges cautious Approach

November 26th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

Outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley says he is ready to allow drilling for natural gas in Western Maryland, but only if energy companies adhere to what he described as the most restrictive public health and environmental safeguards in the country. O’Malley (D) will propose regulations next month that draw upon the “best practices” of other states and nations where hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” takes place.  In some cases, the regulations will go further than other jurisdictions in restricting drilling locations and seeking to limit the risks of drinking-water contamination and air pollution.  The rules would not take effect until after O’Malley is succeeded by Gov.-elect Larry Hogan (R), who has called drilling opportunities in Western Maryland “an economic gold mine” and criticized the state for taking too long to decide whether to authorize it.  Delegate Heather Mizeur, a member of the Governors Commission studying the impacts of fracking, tells WCBC News that she hopes the governor-elect doesn’t act in a rash manner when it comes to mapping out his administration’s fracking proposals.





 

 

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