Industry Group Opposes Illinois Fracking Rules

Labor groups and members of the oil and gas industry have joined together in calling for the overhaul of recently proposed rules governing fracking in the state.  The pro-fracking coalition, known as Grow-IL, argues that the revised regulations, which the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ("IDNR") released on August 29, significantly deviate from the hydraulic fracturing law the Illinois General Assembly passed last year.

Industry representatives contend the IDNR is seeking to impose more burdensome certification and drilling standards than permitted under the state law.  Mark Denzler, Vice President of the Illinois Manufactures' Association, criticized the new rules:  "We were very hopeful that the rules would simply implement the law, not expand or contract a law that was very carefully negotiated over three years."