Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) responded to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposal to repeal the 2015 hydraulic fracturing rule, in the Federal Register.

“The Trump administration’s proposal is a step in the wrong direction and is yet another giveaway to the oil and gas industry. Refusing to update rules that have been in place for over 30 years will allow oil and gas companies to continue drilling on our public lands with inadequate safeguards. The proposal fails to provide protection for water resources and infringes on the public's right to know what chemicals and practices are affecting their communities,” said Senator Cantwell.

The new Obama regulation was designed to supplement 30-year old rules, which failed to address technical advances and current fracking practices. The Obama rule was designed to address management of toxic wastewater produced by fracking, increased transparency around chemicals used in the process, and new safety requirements for improving the safety and monitoring of wells.

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