Maryland lawmakers vote to ban drilling known as fracking

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers voted Monday to ban hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas, a process better known as fracking.

The Senate voted 35-10 for a measure that already has been approved by the House. That sends the bill to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who supports the ban.

Fracking isn’t being done in Maryland now, but a moratorium on issuing permits ends in October.

Fracking opponents cited health and environmental concerns for not allowing the drilling process to ever happen in the state. The drilling technique forces pressurized water and chemicals underground to break up the rock and release the gas. Critics say the process and disposal of tainted wastewater pose risks of water and air pollution, earthquakes and property devaluation.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/maryland-lawmakers-vote-to-ban-drilling-known-as-fracking/2017/03/27/19b1a95c-134c-11e7-bb16-269934184168_story.html