DRILL Now Act Denying Regulatory Interference with Landowners and Legislatures Now Act
Impact
If enacted, HB 1217 would significantly alter how hydraulic fracturing is regulated in areas already governed by the designated river basin compacts. By removing the authority of commissions such as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Delaware River Basin Commission to regulate hydraulic fracturing, the bill would centralize these responsibilities within state hands. Proponents argue this will enhance local control for states, allowing them to tailor regulations according to specific regional needs, potentially fostering a favorable environment for the oil and gas industry. Critics, however, warn that such a shift may lead to insufficient environmental protections, particularly in sensitive ecosystems critical to water quality and public health.
Summary
House Bill 1217, also known as the 'Denying Regulatory Interference with Landowners and Legislatures Now Act' or 'DRILL Now Act', seeks to modify the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 with a specific focus on hydraulic fracturing activities within the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Potomac River basins. The primary objective of this bill is to prevent regional commissions from finalizing or enforcing regulations related to hydraulic fracturing unless such regulations are issued by the state where the regulation is to be implemented. This move positions state regulation over federal or interstate commission regulation, emphasizing state jurisdiction and authority in environmental management concerning hydraulic fracturing operations.
Contention
The bill faced notable opposition concerning the capacity and expertise of state governments versus that of regional commissions, which have historically played a role in addressing multi-state environmental issues. Opponents fear that concentrating regulatory power at the state level could diminish the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and allow for potentially harmful practices to proliferate without adequate checks. The nature of hydraulic fracturing and the potential environmental impacts associated with it, such as contamination of drinking water and ecological disturbances, render this a contentious issue, with strong arguments presented on both sides regarding land rights and environmental safety.