Illinois’ “best in the nation” fracking regulatory bill has been stalled due to an amendment. This amendment number 3 would require a licensed, union water-well drill operator, on site at all times, while drilling and hydro-fracking are occurring. It has been reported that the industry walked out on talks, leaving the bill’s sponsor Representative Bradley and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #150 scratching their heads. Speaker Madigan maintains public support of the House Bill 3086, a two-year moratorium with a scientific investigative task force.
If industry is not willing to have licensed professionals on site to protect Illinois aquifers, do they truly hold the environment and public safety as a top priority?
New reports from the Strata-X Energy stockholders meeting held March 17, 2013 indicates that the targeted oil fields near Peoria are within the Mohamet Aquifer. The website states that drilling will begin soon with the first appraisal of well’s profitability due the second quarter of this year. Strata-X has secured the necessary lands to move forward with the “Vail Oil” Project, is waiting on a state permit, and is acquiring seismic data.
Horizontal drilling and hydro-fracking, are currently allowed under the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, which was written prior to World War II. Illinois citizens have long feared that the industry will begin fracking without current, up to date laws, while legislators in Springfield hash out the politics of making legislation.
On the last day of session, March 22, Senate Bill 1418 was referred to Assignments by Senator Jacobs the day it was set to be voted out of the Energy Committee. Proponents of the bill were told by Springfield staffers there was an extension granted and were awaiting a committee hearing date. Unfortunately, that information turned out to be false and the Senate Bill is now considered dead.
For current information, please go to Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing our Environment website: www.DontFractureIllinois.net. To reach Tabitha Tripp, email: saveourwater@dontfractureillinois.net
