ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland environmental officials are proposing new regulations for the natural gas drilling technique known as fracking.
The Washington Post reports that Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles calls the drilling guidelines proposed Monday "the most stringent and protective regulations in the country."
Environmental groups and some state lawmakers say they'll push to permanently ban hydraulic fracturing, saying no safeguards can protect the public and the environment from the practice. But supporters, including Gov. Larry Hogan, say the practice could bring in new revenue.
The Department of the Environment sent the proposed rules to a legislative committee too late to meet an Oct. 1 legislative deadline for finalizing regulations. But officials say the delay was necessary to thoroughly consider other states' rules and the concerns of citizens and stakeholders.
