Interior Issues Draft Rule Tightening Standards for Hydraulic Fracturing (“Fracking”) on Federal and Indian Lands

On May 4, 2012, the Department of the Interior issued a draft rule that would require companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as “fracking,” on federal and Indian lands. Under current law, there is no requirement for operators to disclose the use of such chemicals. In addition, the draft rule also adds requirements to improve wellbore integrity and to ensure that oil and gas operators have a water management plan in place for handling fracturing fluids that flow back to the surface. According to Interior, “This proposed rule will strengthen the requirements for hydraulic fracturing performed on federal and Indian lands in order to build public confidence and protect the health of American communities, while ensuring continued access to the important resources that make up our energy economy.”

The draft rule can be viewed by clicking here.

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