Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2023
Impact
By repealing the exemption, the bill would reinforce the regulatory framework surrounding hydraulic fracturing, mandating that operators disclose the chemicals used during the process. This requirement aims to provide states and the public with access to information about potentially hazardous materials and ensure that such operations are conducted with due consideration for drinking water safety and public health. The implications of this bill could lead to stricter regulations for the oil and gas industry, with an emphasis on promoting safety and environmental stewardship across states.
Summary
House Bill 4785, referred to as the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2023, aims to repeal the existing exemption for hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The bill proposes that the underground injection of fluids related to hydraulic fracturing, particularly in oil, gas, and geothermal production, should no longer fall outside the purview of federal regulation. This change seeks to enhance oversight and improve transparency regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, which has drawn significant attention due to its potential environmental and health impacts.
Contention
Debates surrounding HB 4785 are likely to center on the balance between environmental protection and the operational needs of the oil and gas industry. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for safeguarding water resources and ensuring that the public is informed about the chemistry involved in hydraulic fracturing operations. Critics, however, may contend that increased regulatory measures could hinder energy production and have financial ramifications for companies engaged in hydraulic fracturing. As such, the bill reflects a broader national conversation about sustainable resource management and technological advancement in extraction methods.
Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit for the patient. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.
Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act or the FRESH Act This bill gives states the sole authority to promulgate or enforce any regulation, guidance, or permit requirement regarding hydraulic fracturing on or under any land within their boundaries. Hydraulic fracturing or fracking is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the geological formation. Hydraulic fracturing on federal land must comply with the law of the state in which the land is located.