Massachusetts looks to impose 10-year fracking ban

Dec. 4, 2013

A bill presented by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources looks to impose a temporary ban on all hydraulic fracturing operations until at least 2024.

A bill presented by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources looks to impose a temporary ban on all hydraulic fracturing operations until at least 2024. Its backers say the bill is an attempt to protect the state's water reserves and the natural resources. If Massachusetts bans fracking it will be the second state to prohibit such operations, after Vermont.

Environmental groups claim that many communities in the Pioneer Valley have groundwater as their only source of drinking water and putting that in danger of contamination should not be allowed, the Associated Press reported. The ban will ensure that the health and wellbeing of the communities is maintained, according to one of the sponsors of the bill, Peter Kocot. Before becoming law, the bill needs to be approved by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick.

RELATED: US company sues Quebec over fracking ban

Opponents of the ban say that fracking is a safe way to extract shale gas that would otherwise remain inaccessible. They point out that Massachusetts may have limited shale deposits in the western part of the state and that a ban on fracking would mean that these reserves could not be extracted.

Sponsored Recommendations

Choosing The Right Partner for CHIPS Act Investments

As the U.S. looks to invest in the semiconductor research and production using CHIPS Act 2022 funding, it's important to choose the right partner.

EMWD Uses Technology to Meet Sustainability Goals

Eastern Municipal Water District pilots artificial intelligence-enabled control and machine learning to help save energy, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Protein Processing Solutions: Automation & Control

For protein processors looking to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a competitive market, Rockwell Automation offers tailored automation, control...

Automotive Manufacturing Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Connected Future

Rockwell Automation provides automation and control systems tailored for the automotive and tire industries, supporting electric vehicle production, tire production, battery production...