Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
by James A. Jacobs, Stephen M. Testa
11Legislative Trends Associated with Well Stimulation and Hydraulic Fracturing
11.1 Introduction
This chapter presents an overview of current laws and regulations associated with hydraulic fracturing. Shale plays in the United States are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels. However, attempting to balance the risks associated with unconventional resources and the technology being used to take advantage of the opportunities through regulation is primarily the responsibility of the states. How states balance risks versus opportunity varies significantly from state to state. With about 31 states with actual or potential shale gas exploration and production activities, there is much heterogeneity in how states manage the political landscape, regulatory approach, economic aspects, and perceived environmental risks. Regulatory aspects of the oil and gas industry are fluid and are often difficult to keep up with since new laws and amendments are considered with each legislative cycle. The federal government has authority of some parts of the oil and gas industry, notably, in such areas such as air quality, surface and groundwater, endangered species, waste management, and activities on federal lands and offshore exploration and production. State government has historically maintained the primary responsibility for regulatory oversight in the extractive industries. Some of the activities regulated at the state level include location and spacing of wells, methods of drilling ...