California and Colorado Move Ahead With New Rules Covering Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing Techniques Undertaken by the Gas and Oil Industry

摘要

The California Department of Conservation has issued a public notice of a proposed rulemaking (pursuant to law, SB 4), marking the beginning of a 60-day public, comment period to discuss proposed regulations for the use of well stimulation in oil and gas production. The regulations, which are to go into effect on 1/1/15, are designed to protect health, safety, and the environment, and supplement existing strong well construction standards. They address a list of issues, including testing, monitoring, public notice, and permitting. The Department also will have emergency regulations in place this coming January to ensure that the major requirements are addressed in the interim.