Federal Agencies Move To Regulate Aspects Of Hydraulic Fracturing

The U.S. Department of the Interior issues proposed rules for hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues draft Underground Injection Control program permitting guidance for wells that use diesel fuels.

On May 4, both the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new draft proposals related to hydraulic fracturing. The Interior Department announced proposed rules for hydraulic fracturing occurring on lands controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). EPA issued draft guidance on using diesel fuel in hydraulic fracturing operations, which would apply to operations EPA directly permits under the Safe Drinking Water Act, regardless of whether located on federal or private lands. Both the Interior Department's proposed rules and EPA's draft guidance will be subject to a public comment period before being made final.