Illinois Lawmakers Scheduled to Discuss Fracking Bill Next Week
By: Chris Veech
Updated: March 8, 2013
Breaking underground rocks to get at natural gas. It's a push button
issue, and Illinois lawmakers are expected to talk about it next week. A
House committee scheduled a hearing on the bill for Thursday.
"Fracking" is a specific type of drilling for oil and gas but has caused
some environmental problems when used. The bill in Illinois was put
together by both drillers and environmental advocates.
"The industry people are a little upset that it goes too far," said State Representative David Reis of Olney. "The environmentalists are a little upset that it doesn't go far enough, so I think we've struck a good balance. We're finalizing the negotiations on any taxes and the fee structure right now, and we hope to get that bill sent to the governor as soon as possible"
The bill is almost assured passage in the House. More than half the members are co-sponsors. Governor Pat Quinn also supports the idea.
"The industry people are a little upset that it goes too far," said State Representative David Reis of Olney. "The environmentalists are a little upset that it doesn't go far enough, so I think we've struck a good balance. We're finalizing the negotiations on any taxes and the fee structure right now, and we hope to get that bill sent to the governor as soon as possible"
The bill is almost assured passage in the House. More than half the members are co-sponsors. Governor Pat Quinn also supports the idea.
