California has released draft rules for unconventional oil drilling techniques like hydraulic fracturing and acidization. The state agency responsible for regulating oil extraction — Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources — is required by Senate Bill 4 (Pavley) to create rules for unconventional drilling. The rules require groundwater testing before and after drilling, create standards for the storage and handling of drilling fluids, and require oil companies to share permits with property owners and residents living within 1,500 feet of the site, among other measures.
The public has 60 days from the November 15th release to comment on the rules. After this comment period, the agency will finalize the regulations. For more information, please visit the Department of Conservation website at www.conservation.ca.gov/Index/Pages/Index.aspx
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