Wyoming Senators Oppose Federal Fracking Regulation

In recent years, perhaps nothing in the world of natural resources has been more controversial than the debate over hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." The national debate has been especially significant in Wyoming, where contaminated groundwater near Pavillion was linked to chemicals used in fracking.

Recent discoveries into the Pavillion case have added fuel to the fire of controversy, all the while, the state and national energy industry is furthering the case and use of fracking because of the economical benefits. What has become increasingly difficult for the individuals and industries looking to further fracking production however, are new proposed federal regulations to govern fracking operations.

In response to these proposed rules on hydraulic fracturing, Wyoming's Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso have voiced their opinions, and they are overwhelmingly against the proposed federal rules. Much of this opposition is due to the fact that the state of Wyoming adopted the nation’s first rules governing well stimulation nearly two years ago, regulations which already require full disclosure of fracking fluids and apply to private, state and federal lands in Wyoming.

"While I am still reviewing the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rules, I generally favor regulating hydraulic fracturing through state governments, which is how it had been done up until now," said Senator Enzi.

The people in state government are the same people who live and work in the areas being regulated.  They take all the interests of the affected areas to heart because they have the same interests. Clean water is essential and so is energy. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Echoing those statements, Senator John Barrasso said:

Wyoming has led the way in providing information about hydraulic fracturing operations on private, state, and federal lands... But now, Washington is rolling out more red tape that will duplicate Wyoming’s regulations.  Each layer of unnecessary bureaucracy will  slow down American oil and natural gas production and discourage investment and job creation in the West. The Obama Administration should respect Wyoming’s responsible leadership and effective disclosure regulations – not mandate more red tape."