Wyo. governor asks Interior to scale back fracking rules

Posted: Sep 14, 2012

Written by

AP/Greenwire

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R) has asked that a proposed federal hydraulic fracturing rule be scaled back or abandoned altogether.

The rule, proposed by the Bureau of Land Management, would require petroleum companies to disclose what chemicals they inject into the ground during the hydraulic fracturing process. It resembles a rule already in place in Mead's state. For two years, Wyoming has required company disclosure.

In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Mead wrote that having similar state and federal rules was unnecessary and duplicative, which would only result in bad consequences.

"The effect is fewer jobs, less economic development and a dangerous precedent for future regulatory actions," he wrote. His sent the letter Monday, the last day the proposed rules were open for public comment.

Mead said BLM should reject the proposal or allow state "maximum deference" in fracking regulations.

Interior spokesman Blake Androff said the rule minimizes duplication and complements regulations in other states.