Although most states do not have a specific statute or rule governing hydraulic fracturing, an oil and gas producing state generally has the authority to regulate it as it deems necessary. In addition, state regulations generally prohibit pollution of groundwater. The regulation of hydraulic fracturing is incorporated within the standard operating procedures state oil and gas regulators have used for generations. States regulations focus on the safe drilling and  of the well and proper cementing and casing of oil and gas wells. Permitting requirements, well materials and construction, casing and cementing, well plugging and abandonment procedures are just a few of the variables considered in the regulation of the hydraulic fracturing process.