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ARTICLE · 26 NOVEMBER 2013

California's New Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations: Implications And Next Steps

Holland & Knight
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California's Senate Bill 4 is one of the first laws in the United States to regulate hydraulic fracturing.

United StatesEnvironment
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Elizabeth Lake is a Partner in the San Francisco office

California's Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) is one of the first laws in the United States to regulate hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking"). On November 15, 2013, the state's Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) issued its first set of draft regulations implementing the controversial new law, in accordance with SB 4's statutory requirements. DOGGR also issued a notice of preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), kicking off a year-long process intended to result in final regulations by January 1, 2015. The draft regulations are available here.

Comments on the currently proposed draft regulations must be submitted by January 14, 2014. Comments on the scope of the EIR must be submitted by January 16, 2014.

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