Trump Admin. Repeals Fracking Regulations

What’s the story?

The Interior Department rescinded an Obama-era rule that would have set new environmental limitations on hydraulic fracturing – or fracking - on public lands.

Why does it matter?

The regulation - which had been opposed by the oil and gas industry - would have required companies to disclose the chemicals contained in fracking fluids and improved the standards for building wells and dispensing waste.

But the Bureau of Land Management wrote that it was "rescinding the 2015 rule because we believe it imposes administrative burdens and compliance costs that are not justified." According the agency, rescinding the rule will save “up to $9,690 per well or approximately $14 million to $34 million per year” in industry compliance costs.

But Mike Freeman, an attorney with EarthJustice, told the Washington Post:

"The move today represents just another example of the Trump administration sacrificing our public lands, air and water in order to pad the bottom line of oil and gas companies."

What do you think?

Would the fracking rule have imposed "administrative burdens and compliance costs that are not justified"? Or does the move sacrifice “our public lands, air and water”? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then comment below.

Take Action

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Trump Administration Seeking To Rescind Obama-Era Fracking Rule

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