Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations
The best-suited regulators of hydraulic fracturing are the states, which are the source of the common law of the domestic oil and gas industry because of their unique position and their collective expertise on matters concerning the industry. States have adopted comprehensive laws and regulations to provide for safe operations and to protect the nation's drinking water sources, and have trained personnel to effectively regulate oil and gas exploration and production.
Hydraulic fracturing is currently, and has been for decades, a common operation used in exploration and production by the oil and gas industry in all gas producing states. Because the unique position of the states and their collective expertise on matters concerning the oil and gas industry, regulation of hydraulic fracturing should remain the responsibility of he States. The states have as much of a vested interest in the protection of groundwater as the federal government and as such, will continue to regulate the processeffectively and efficiently, taking into account the particulars of the geology and hydrology within their boundaries. There is not a "one-size fits all" approach to effective regulation.
The IOGCC archives regulations in order to provide legislative models, assist with preparation of legislative drafts and to facilitate precedent setting.
