California Introduces Bill to Regulate Fracking Water as Hazardous Waste

Date: March 1, 2013

Source: News Room

If the saying "As California Goes, So Goes the Country" has merit, then we should pay attention to a new bill there that seeks to regulate "produced" water from oil and gas fracking operations as a hazardous waste. But industry representatives are sure to oppose the measure, arguing that the state already has extensive regulations overseeing drilling operations and wastewater controls. The bill, SB 395 by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), would "define produced water and require its regulation as a hazardous substance during the extraction of oil and gas, including hydraulic fracturing operations." Environmental groups are promoting her effort and similar measures in other states as well as at the federal level. Groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), are urging the EPA to reverse its long-standing exemption of oil and gas wastewater from hazardous waste regulation. A 2010 NRDC petition argues that hazardous waste rules under RCRA subtitle C are "necessary to ensure safe management of these wastes throughout their life cycle from cradle to grave, including generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal."

Sign up to receive our free Weekly News Bulletin