Fracking Rules Approved for Illinois

The Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Thursday adopted hydraulic fracturing regulations in Illinois, moving fracking closer to implementation in the state.

State Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon and State Representative David Reis of Ste. Marie praised the vote and praised citizens of southern Illinois for their commitment to the effort.

Righter said, "I am pleased regulations for fracking in Illinois were approved by JCAR. Fracking can be an economic boom for our state. It will not only create thousands of jobs, it has the potential to create billions of dollars in economic impact. It's also great to see our state utilizing our natural resources to benefit the world."

Reis said, "Illinois will reap the financial gains of fracking because of the hard-working people of Southern Illinois who stood up for what's good and fair. Their outspoken advocacy, dedication and unyielding commitment to fracking will make a difference in Illinois for years to come."

Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly referred to as fracking, is the extraction of natural gas and oil from the earth through horizontal drilling. The extraction technique involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into rock to release the natural gas.

Righter said, "Fracking will also provide energy stability for Illinoisans. New fracking technology has reduced natural gas prices, which has had a direct effect on heating and electric prices."

Reis said, "Today, we are ready to move forward and get started. Fracking is imperative to reigniting our state's lagging economy by possibly creating upwards of 45,000 jobs and $9 billion in economic impact. I'm pleased the final rules were adopted and look forward to getting fracking underway."

The fracking initiative was an agreement between mainstream environmental groups and oil and gas groups. Fracking legislation passed overwhelmingly in both chambers. Fee money from fracking permits will go to DNR and EPA for staff additions that will oversee the industry.