Gov. Pat Quinn is praising a bill that would regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in Illinois, saying it’ll help the economy.
Quinn released a statement Thursday after two downstate lawmakers introduced the bill to establish ground rules for hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”
The method uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals to crack open rock formations and release oil and gas. The industry is eyeing southern Illinois’ New Albany shale.
Quinn says he’s committed to protecting the environment and creating jobs.
State Reps. John Bradley of Marion and David Reis of Olney sponsored the bill. It was negotiated with officials from industry and agriculture, environmentalists and Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Critics are calling for a 2-year moratorium on fracking to study pollution and health issues.
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