BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says he will introduce a bill giving states primary control in regulating hydraulic fracturing, a method of extracting oil and gas.
Hoeven made the announcement after a tour of western North Dakota's oil patch with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, involves pumping water, sand and chemicals underground to break up shale rock and allow the oil to flow.
Hoeven says the bill will help ensure that states keep the right to manage hydraulic fracturing, and it gives them the ability to respond first to any violation. The measure would impose restrictions on any federal agency seeking to regulate hydraulic fracturing.
Opponents of hydraulic fracturing argue it could pollute underground water supplies.
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