Energy and Environment Monitor

Maryland General Assembly Bans Fracking

April 6, 2017

By: Douglas J. Crouse and Robert G. McLusky

Prior law in Maryland required its Department of the Environment to adopt a regulation by October 1, 2016 for the hydraulic fracturing of wells for exploration or production of natural gas, but provided they would not become effective until October 1, 2017. Further, the Department was prohibited from issuing fracking permits until October 2017.

A new bill passed by both the House and Senate of the Maryland General Assembly, however, would extend the prohibition on fracking permanently. Links to both House Bill 1325 and Senate Bill 0740 appears here.  According to press reports, the Governor supports the bill and it is likely to become law.

This article was authored by Robert G. McLusky and Douglas J. Crouse, Jackson Kelly PLLC.