March 6th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
The fracking debate heated up in Annapolis last week as a senate committee held a hearing on a bill calling for a permanent ban. Maryland currently prohibits hydraulic fracturing, which involves pumping water, sand and chemicals deep underground to break up rock and release natural gas. A state moratorium on issuing permits ends Oct. 1, 2017. Supporters of a ban cite concerns about groundwater contamination, air pollution and earthquakes. Others say fracking should be allowed, because it would create jobs in western Maryland. Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine is on record as supporting fracking, and he addressed concerns expressed recently about fracking in residential areas…
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