Science and Policy Considerations in Developing the the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act

Abstract

The Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act took several years to negotiate. Stakeholders involved in the negotiations included the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Attorney General, a coalition of environmental groups and a coalition of business and industry groups led by the Illinois Oil & Gas Association. The lengthy and complex negotiations from this diverse group of stakeholders produced the nation's most comprehensive set of regulations governing hydraulic fracturing. Will these regulations serve as a model for responsible development or act as a de facto moratorium on hydraulic fracturing?

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90218 © 2015 Eastern Section Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 20-22, 2015