States that produce gas and oil would be protected from redundant hydraulic fracturing regulations when state regulations are already in place under legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
The Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, S. 316, aims to cut down on duplicative regulations that could contribute to higher energy costs and job losses.
“Many states, such as Utah, are doing the right thing and listening to stakeholders and communities around where hydraulic fracturing is taking place and regulating this activity responsibly,” Hatch said. “The last thing we need is costly and duplicative regulation from Washington on top of what’s already in place in Utah — especially when the existing framework has more than proven itself to be effective.”
S. 316 wouldn’t prevent the federal government from implement fracking standards in states where none exist under the measure, Hatch added.
“It simply says that regulations from the federal government cannot trump state action already in place,” Hatch continued. “This bill is good for American energy production and will protect the jobs that come with it. I hope the Senate will vote on this bill soon to stand up for American workers and lower energy costs.”
U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced the bill with Hatch.
“Hydraulic fracturing is a principal reason America has created thousands of jobs, increased our energy security and lowered energy costs for families and businesses,” Barrasso said. “For years, Wyoming and other western states have enforced the country’s most aggressive hydraulic fracturing regulations — regulations that also apply to federal lands within our borders. This bill would ensure that states — not Washington — can continue to lead in this important part of our economy.”
Enzi agreed, adding that Wyoming and other states already listening to concerns from local stakeholders and communities shouldn’t see their efforts superseded by redundant federal regulations.
“This bill would ensure it is the states who continue to lead in these efforts to properly regulate hydraulic fracturing,” Enzi said.